Shri Anurag Srivastava, Official Spokesperson: Friends! Namaskar and Good evening. This is the first weekly briefing of 2021 and I welcome all of you. Let me begin by wishing all of you a very happy, healthy and prosperous
New Year. First up. I have a couple of announcements. I'll start with announcing the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention, which is a flagship event of this ministry and provides for an important platform to engage and connect with overseas Indians and despite
the ongoing Covid pandemic, keeping in view the sentiments of our diaspora, the 16th PBD Convention is being organized tomorrow, that is the 9th of January. The event will be held in the virtual format. The theme of the 16th Pravasi Bharatiya Convention is
‘Contributing to Aatmnirbhar Bharat’. The Convention will have three segments. It will be inaugurated by PM and there will be a keynote address by the chief guest. Mr. Chandrikapersad Santokhi, President of Suriname. It will be followed by two plenary sessions,
the first plenary on ‘The role of diaspora in Aatmnirbhar Bharat’, which will feature addresses by EAM and the Commerce and Industry Minister while the second plenary is on ’Facing post- Covid challenges, scenario in health, economy, Social and international
relations’, which will be addressed by Minister of Health and Minister of State for External Affairs. Both plenaries will also feature panel discussions, where we invited eminent diaspora experts. Rashtrapatiji will deliver his valedictory address at the final
session to mark this occasion and the names of Pravasi Bhartiya Samman Awardees for 2021 will also be announced. As you know, these awards are conferred on those select diaspora members to recognize their achievements and honor their contributions in various
fields. In the run-up to this PBD convention tomorrow, we had a series of events and the last of these series of events which is the fifth event was held today afternoon, which is the Youth PBD. This Youth PBD was celebrated virtually on the theme 'Bringing
together young achievers from India and Indian diaspora'. The guest for this event was Miss Priyanca Radhakrishnan, Minister for community and voluntary sector of New Zealand. So I invite all of you to join the 16th PBD Convention virtually tomorrow and this
webcast will be available on the PBD website as well as on the virtual platforms of the ministry, which is on our YouTube channel. You would also like to see our press release on this for further details. I have a short update on the Vande Bharat Mission.
The phase 9 of this Mission has been made operational since the 1st January and this phase would involve operating 1495 international flights from 24 countries to facilitate the return of an estimated 2.8 lakh people. As of 6th January 261 of these flights
have already been operated and these flights have facilitated the return of 49,000 people from 19 countries. This brings the total number of people who have been facilitated through different modes of this mission, which is the world's largest repatriation
exercise. Since it started in May' 2020, the number of people who've come back under this mission are more than 44.7 lakhs. So these are the announcements that I had. Moving on, over to you Yatin. We will address your questions.
Shri Yatin Patel, OSD (PR): So first set of question is on stranded sailors, Siddhant from WION has asked "Any update on the stranded Indian Sailors of the coast of China". Shailendra from News 18 has a question, "Cheen
ke bandargah ke karib do jahazon mein phanse bhartiyon ko lekar koi rahat ki khabar hai? Kya crew ki adala-badli ki permission mil gayi hai? (Questioned in Hindi; Approximate translation) "Is there any good news on the Indians trapped in two ships near the
Chinese port? Has the permission for crew-rotation granted?.”Neeraj from News 18 has asked "What is the status of 39 Indians stuck in China? Any release date given by the Chinese authorities?"
Shri Anurag Srivastava, Official Spokesperson: We had earlier provided a detailed brief on the situation on the 1st January and we had informed that our Embassy in Beijing is continuously following this up with Chinese authorities. Now by way of further
update, what I have is that our Ambassador has again personally taken up this issue with the Chinese Vice Foreign Minister and he has requested for early approval for crew change for the crew members aboard MV Jag Anand and MV Anastasia. The ministry is also
in regular contact with the Chinese Embassy here in Delhi. In view of China's strict Covid-19 pandemic control and preventive measures as well as various travel restrictions, which are in place, the Chinese authorities have detailed steps, which they've outlined
to ensure the smooth movement of new crew to China to effect this crew change and these steps have to be complied by the concerned shipping companies. With regard to the request for exploring alternative modes of crew change at sea, this possibility has also
been taken up with the Chinese authorities and they have indicated that the details for these options are being worked out. We are awaiting these details from the Chinese authorities as of now and we will continue to remain in touch with them as well as with
shipping companies to ensure that the humanitarian needs of the crew are taken care of and crew changes are effected at the earliest.
Shri Yatin Patel, OSD (PR): Next set of question is on vaccine cooperation. Gautam Lahiri has asked "As India is rolling out Covid vaccine. When the neighboring countries including Bangladesh will receive it? Whether India
and Bangladesh will sign G2G agreement for exporting vaccine?" Vasudevan from SCMP has a question. "Have we signed an agreement so far with any neighboring country to supply vaccines?" Madhurendra from News Nation has asked," Bharat ne Covid mahaamaaree ke
dauraan padosee deshon ke saath-saath anya deshon ko bhee jarooree medical sahaayata pradaan kee thee, ab vaccine kee baaree hai. Toh Bhaarat se kin deshon ne vaccine ke lie request kiya hai aur anya deshon ko vaccine dene ko lekar Bhaarat kee kya yojana hai?(Questioned
in Hindi; Approximate translation) India provided the necessary medical aid to neighboring countries as well as other countries during the Covid pandemic, now it is the turn of the vaccine. Which countries have requested for vaccine from India and what is
India's plan to give vaccine to other countries?Similar questions were asked by Siddhant from WION, Sandeep from Tribune and Manish from TV9.
Shri Anurag Srivastava, Official Spokesperson:
Look, there's understandably interest in many countries to access vaccine from India, which has emerged as the global hub for vaccine manufacturing and you would note that since the beginning India has been at the forefront of global efforts in responding to
this common fight against the Covid-19 pandemic and India sees international cooperation in this field particularly with its neighbors as its duty. Now you would be aware that in our neighborhood, we have already provided medicines and other essential supplies.
We have also provided training assistance for experts from these countries on vaccine related issues. As we rollout vaccines, Prime Minister's announcement that India's vaccine production and delivery capacity will be used for the benefit of all humanity in
fighting this crisis needs to be noted.
Shri Yatin Patel, OSD (PR): Shailendra from News 18 has asked "Canada ke neta Ramandeep Brar haal mein singhu border par kisaanon ke saath samarthan karate najara ae. Norms ke tahat OCI card holder aise pradarshanon mein
shaami lnahin ho sakte. Kya is maamale mein sarakaar kaarravaee karegee?(Questioned in Hindi; Approximate translation) The Canadian leader RamandeepBrar was recently seen supporting the farmers at the Singhu border. As per norms, OCI card holders cannot participate
in such demonstrations. Will the government take action in this matter? Neeraj from News 18 has asked” Ramandeep Brar a Canadian political leader had visited farmer’s protest site and gave support, is it a violation of visa norms? Similar question from Siddhant
and Shrinjoy from Times Now.
Shri Anurag Srivastava, Official Spokesperson: As of now, what I'll say is we have noted these reports and we are ascertaining these facts.
Shri Yatin Patel, OSD (PR): Madhurendra from News Nation has asked Nepal mein jaaree raajaneetik uthaak-patak aur devalopment par Bharat ka kyaa akalan hai? (Questioned in Hindi; Approximate translation) What is India's assessment of the ongoing political
upsurge and development in Nepal?
Shri Anurag Srivastava, Official Spokesperson:
Neeraj ji, jaise ki maine pahale kaha tha, yeh Nepal ka apna aantarik maamala hai aur ek padosee aur shubhachintak ke roop mein Bharat shaanti, samrddhi aur vikaas ke raaste par aage badhane mein Nepal aur usake logon ka sahayog karata rahega. (Answered in
Hindi; Approximate translation)Neeraj ji, as I said earlier, this is Nepal's own internal matter and as a neighbor and well-wisher, India will continue to support Nepal and its people in moving forward on the path of peace, prosperity and development.
Shri Yatin Patel, OSD (PR): Suresh from Kantipur Express has asked "As being said, Nepal's Minister of Foreign Affairs is scheduled to visit Delhi for Ministerial-level Joint Committee meeting very soon. What will be the
main focus of the meeting and will there be concrete discussions on Border issue? He also has another question that there are media reports that during the visit of Nepali Foreign Minister to India, India is going to pledge vaccine to Nepal. Will that be given
as a humanitarian support or as G2G deal?
Shri Anurag Srivastava, Official Spokesperson:
Suresh ji, I had mentioned earlier during the visit of Foreign Secretary to Nepal in end November, he had extended an invitation from EAM to the Nepalese Foreign Minister to visit India for the Joint Commission meeting and dates for the visit are still being
finalized. So, you know, we will provide you further details as and when these dates are finalized.
Shri Yatin Patel, OSD (PR): Sandeep from Tribune has a question "During EAM's Colombo visit what were the specific proposals India is keen to implement in infrastructure area?"
Shri Anurag Srivastava, Official Spokesperson:
Sandeep, EAM was on an official visit from 5th to 7th of January at the invitation of Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena of Sri Lanka and you would have seen a press release on this as well as you would have seen the opening remarks made by EAM at the presser
in Colombo. Now during the visit EAM had discussions with his counterpart. He also called on the Sri Lankan leadership President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and these discussions with his interlocutors, they covered the entire gamut
of bilateral relations. The progress in the partnership was also reviewed in detail during the visit. Regarding the economic aspects of the partnership to which your question pertains, there are proposals in the areas of infrastructure, energy and connectivity
which were discussed and these proposals were discussed in the specific context of creating, an environment to accelerate Sri Lanka's Post-Covid economic recovery, as well as to have a positive medium term impact on its development. I do not have the details
of specific proposals. But what I can tell you is that essentially the discussions focused on the opportunities that could be created by taking these proposals forward and particularly in the context of what the Indian businesses can do in terms of investments
in Sri Lanka. So investment opportunities were also discussed. There were also discussions on special zones for pharmaceutical manufacturing and on the revival of tourism. And we expect to send a Pharma industry delegation at an early date to Sri Lanka. Regarding
tourism, EAM discussed the importance of establishing air travel bubble arrangements from India and the SriLankan side will revert to us with specific proposals on this.
Shri Yatin Patel, OSD (PR): Ranjeet Kumar from Rakshak news has a question "India and France have concluded Annual Strategic Dialogue. What is the outcome of this dialogue?
Shri Anurag Srivastava, Official Spokesperson:
Ranjeetji, you know that the French delegation led by Mr. Emmanuel Bonne, the Diplomatic Advisor to the French President is currently in town and they had the Annual Strategic Dialogue with NSA yesterday. And today the Diplomatic Advisor called on the PM in
the morning. He had other meetings also. The visit is presently ongoing and will share further details subsequently.
Shri Yatin Patel, OSD (PR): Next set of question is on LAC. Madhurendra from News Nation has asked, "Cheen ke saath LAC par tanaav ka koi samaadhaan dikhaee nahin de raha hai. Kya back-channel mein bhee koi baat-cheet chal
rahee hai? (Questioned in Hindi; Approximate translation) There is no solution with China on LAC standoff, is there any dialogue going on in the back channel as well?”Siddhant from WION has asked, "What is the update on standoff at LAC?
Shri Anurag Srivastava, Official Spokesperson: The update that I have is that the latest round of WMCC was held on the 18th of December and the two sides have agreed to hold the next round of senior commanders meeting and
they are in constant communication through diplomatic and military channels in this regard. In the meantime, both sides have maintained communication at the ground level to avoid any misunderstandings and misjudgments, even as discussions continue for achieving
complete disengagement in all friction areas in accordance with the existing bilateral agreements to restore peace and tranquility.
Shri Yatin Patel, OSD (PR): Madhurendra from News Nation has asked "US mein Capitol Hill ki ghatna ko Bharat ne sangyaan liya hai. PM ne tweet bhee kiya hai. Videsh mantraalay is ghatana ko kaise sangyaan mein le raha hai? (Questioned in Hindi; Approximate
translation) India has taken cognizance of the Capitol Hill incident in the US. PM has also tweeted. How is the Ministry of External Affairs taking this incident? Shailendra from News 18 has asked, "Trump samarthakon ki bheed mein ek vyakti ne Bharatiye tiranga
bhi laharaaya.Is par aapkee kya pratikriya hai?(Questioned in Hindi; Approximate translation)A person in the crowd of Trump supporters also waved the Indian tricolor. What is your reaction to this?
Shri Anurag Srivastava, Official Spokesperson: Indian position jo is pe hai vey Pradhanamantri ji ke tweet mein saaf jaahir ho gaee hai aur yah kaha gaya hai ki Washington DC mein upadrav aur hinsa ke samaachaaron se veh
vyathit hue hain. Satta ka hastaantaran vyavasthit aur shaantipoorn tareeke se hona jarooree hai. Is tarah ke gairkaanoonee pradarshanon ke jarie lokataantrik prakriya ko nukasaan nahin pahunchaaya ja sakta. (Answered in Hindi; Approximate translation)The
Indian position on this matter has been made clear in Prime Minister's tweet and it has been said that he is distressed by the news of the violence in Washington DC. The transfer of power must be done in an orderly and peaceful manner. The democratic process
cannot be allowed to be subverted though unlawful protests.
Shri Yatin Patel, OSD (PR): Sandeep from the Tribune has a question. "How does the MEA react to observations by US ambassador and US Congressional report on the possibility of sanctions if India purchase the S400 missile
defense system from Russia?"
Shri Anurag Srivastava, Official Spokesperson: Sandeep,you know India and US have a comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. India has a special and privileged Strategic Partnership with Russia. We pursue an independent foreign policy. This also applies
to our defense acquisition and supplies which are guided by our national security interest. This is what I would like to say.
Shri Yatin Patel, OSD (PR): Nilova Roy Chaudhury has a question "India after joining the UNSC has become the chair of the Taliban Sanctions Committee. Since violence perpetrated by the Taliban is holding up the Afghan Peace
Process. Does this new responsibility mean that India will be more directly involved and have a voice in the Afghan Peace Process, too?”
Shri Anurag Srivastava, Official Spokesperson:
Look, we began our two-year tenure as the non-permanent member of the UN Security Council from the 1st January and you would know Nilova that our tenure will be marked with a commitment to promote responsible and inclusive solutions to international peace and
security. A new orientation for a reformed multilateral system and a worldview anchored in our ethos of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, which is ‘The world is one family’. With regard to Afghanistan, you would know that India and Afghanistan as contiguous neighbors,
we share natural historical relationship, our Strategic Partnership and long-term commitment to the development of Afghanistan reflects this time-tested partnership. We have invested heavily in the peace and development in Afghanistan and we support all efforts
to bring peace and stability in that country. Our position on the peace process has also been well articulated, the peace process must be Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan controlled. India as an important stakeholder, we look forward to working towards
a peaceful, prosperous, sovereign, democratic and united Afghanistan. So this is our approach and position on this issue. And this will guide us at the UN Security Council.
Shri Yatin Patel, OSD (PR): Next set of questions is on terrorists in Pakistan. Shrinjoy from Times Now has asked "Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhwi has been sentenced to 15 years in jail. Your comments please?". Suhasini from The
Hindu has asked. "After action against Hafiz Sayed and Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhwi a Pakistan court has issued a warrant against Masood Azhar. What is MEA's reaction to this? Shailendra from News 18 has asked "Pakistan mein Masood Azhar kee giraftaaree ka warrant
jaaree hua hai. Is par MEA kee kya pratikriya hai?. (Questioned in Hindi; Approximate translation) Warrant has been issued for the arrest of Masood Azhar in Pakistan. What is the MEA's response to this?
Shri Anurag Srivastava, Official Spokesperson:
What I would say is the timing of these actions clearly suggests the intention of conveying a sense of compliance ahead of the EPJG meeting and the next FATF plenary meeting in February 2021. It has become routine for Pakistan to come up with such farcical
actions prior to important meetings. UN proscribed entities and designated terrorists act as proxies for Pakistani establishment to fulfill its anti-India agenda. It is for the International Community to hold Pakistan to account and ensure that it takes credible
action against terror groups, terror infrastructure and individual terrorists.
Shri Yatin Patel, OSD (PR): Madhurendra from News Nation has a question - "Alpsankhyako ke prati Pakistan mein atyachar ka silsila jari hai. Hindu mandir tode ja rahe hain, jabran dharm parivartan ko le kar Christian samudaye
sadkon par pradarshan kar raha hai, to wahin Balochi aur Hazara samudaye ke logo ki nirmam hatya ka mamla bhi tul pakad chukka hai, Bharat ka kya kehna hai?"(Questioned in Hindi; Approximate translation)Atrocities against minorities continue in Pakistan. Hindu
temples are being demolished. The Christian community is demonstrating on the streets against forced conversion. At the same time, the case of ruthless killing of people of Baluchi and Hazara community has also increased. What is India’s reaction?
Shri Anurag Srivastava, Official Spokesperson:
Madhurendra ji, hum is atankwadi hamle ki kadi ninda karte hain. Kisi bhi desh ki yeh zimmedari hai ki weh apne alpsankhyakon ki raksha kare aur unke buniyadi manavdikharon ka samman kare. (Answered in Hindi; Approximate translation) Madhendra ji, we strongly
condemn this terrorist attack. It is the responsibility of any country to protect its minorities and respect their basic human rights.
Shri Yatin Patel, OSD (PR): Narendranath Mishra from Navbharat Times has asked - "America ne H-1B visa ko suspend karne ka date bada diya, iske alawa aur bhi bandish badai. Kya Bharat is mamle mein Amriki prashan se sampark mein hai? Kitne Bharatiye
isse prabhavit ho sakte hain?"(Questioned in Hindi; Approximate translation)The US extended the date for suspension of the H1B visa. Apart from this, there are more restrictions now. Is India in touch with the US administration on this matter? How many Indians
can be affected by this? Amiti from Hindu Business Line has asked - "will India react to the Trump administration's decision to change the annual H1 cap lottery process and replace it with a salary based selection process?"
Shri Anurag Srivastava, Official Spokesperson: We have taken note of the recent proclamations of the US government extending by three more months the current suspension of entry of certain immigrants and non- immigrants
to the USA. We are engaged with the US government for increased predictability in the visa regime and to minimize inconvenience to Indian nationals in the US or those proposing to travel to the US for bona fide reasons, including the movement of Indian professionals.
You would know that people-to-people relations are a vital part of the partnership between India and the US. There is recognition in the US of the fact that Indian skilled professionals have contributed to the growth of the US economy and helped the US economy
retain its competitive edge and innovation advantage.
Shri Yatin Patel, OSD (PR): Geeta Mohan from India Today has a question - "A viral claim on social media says that the Center has removed the column nationality from passports. We request the Ministry of External Affairs
to provide a clarification on this matter."
Shri Anurag Srivastava, Official Spokesperson: Geeta this is absolutely incorrect. In all categories of travel documents issued by the government, the nationality column has been kept, it has been maintained, and there has been no change.
Shri Yatin Patel, OSD (PR): Srinjoy from Times Now has a question - "There are reports of the MEA banning Tablighi Jamaat activities in India. Strictly speaking, can the MEA ban the Jamaat, beyond not issuing visa?
Shri Anurag Srivastava, Official Spokesperson: Srinjoy I have not seen any such reports and I do not know the basis for such reports. Since it pertains to visa policy, I would suggest you may also like to check with MHA.
Are there any further questions Yatin?
Shri Yatin Patel, OSD (PR): No further questions Sir.
Shri Anurag Srivastava, Official Spokesperson: Thank you. So this concludes the weekly briefing. See you again next week.