Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to this Press engagement. Let me open the floor for you to push questions here.
Kadambini: Kadambini Sharma from NDTV India. Taiwan mei jo bhukamp aaya hai usmai kya Indians missing hain? Aur agar hain toh kitne hain? Kya jankari hai MEA ke pass?
[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Kadambini Sharma from NDTV India. Are any Indians missing in Taiwan following the earthquake there? If yes, how many are missing? What information does MEA have?
Sidhant: Hi Sir, Sidhant from WION. Sir, China yet again has come up with invented names of territories in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. India has reacted as well. But how do you see this pattern coming from China over their claiming the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh?
Pranay: Sir, Pranay Upadhyay Zee News se. Mera sawal is chiz ko lekar ke hai ki China ke in tamam patterns ko dekhte hue, in bayanon ko dekhte hue, kya humne Beijing mei bhi is mamle ko uthaya hai ya Chinese jo Mission Chief hain, unko yahan pe summon kiya tha?
[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Sir, Pranay Upadhyay from Zee News. My question is, considering all these patterns, statements by China, have we also raised this issue in Beijing or summoned Chinese Mission Chief here?
Suchitra: Hi Sir, Suchitra from News18 Tamil. Sir this is regarding the revival issue of Katchatheevu right now. I have two questions. One, the Sri Lankan Minister Jeevan Thondaman remarked that there is no any official confirmation regarding the return of power to India in Katchatheevu on that matter. And another senior Minister said that the boundaries cannot be changed in the wish of a new government. Do you have any comment on that?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Any more questions on Katchatheevu?
Sudhi: Sir, I am Sudhi Ranjan from Bloomberg. Specifically on Katchatheevu Sir, I mean, rightly pointed out by the Minister lastly that the previous governments have been very very negligent about India's sovereignty. What has this government done in the last 10 years? And now that it has been lately been discovered, has it been or is being taken up with Sri Lanka and at what level?
Pranay: RTI ke replies ko lekar ek controversy hai, dono taraf, dono replies ko lekar. Agar aap uspe clarify kar sake, MEA ka official stand kya hai? Do RTIs mei discrepancy kyun hai?
[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] There is a controversy regarding the replies to the two RTIs. If you could clarify on that, what is the official stand of MEA? Why is there a discrepancy in the two RTIs?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Pehla sawal Kadambini aapka. Hum logon ki jaankari ke hisab se do log pahle, jo bhukamp aaya Taiwan mei, wahan par do logon se hum sampark nahi kar pa rahe the. Lekin ab hum logon ne waha par unse sampark kar liya hai aur woh log surakshit hain. Toh ye jo do log hamare pahle waha missing the, uske bare mei jankari main aapse sanjha karna chahta hoon.
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] On the first question from Kadambini, according to our information, initially, we were unable to contact two individuals, following the earthquake in Taiwan. However, we have now been able to establish contact with them, and they are safe. So, I want to share this information with you regarding these two individuals who were initially missing there.
Sidhant, your question regarding China. You know, we have time and again spoken about this issue. We have made a couple of statements in the last few weeks. Each time we have reiterated our position. So, I would refer you to look at our statements that we have done, in fact, couple of them, several of them that we have done. That clarifies our position that just by naming something, you don't change the reality. Reality is what it is. Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part, inalienable part of India and it will remain so.
Pranay aapki baat jo hai uspar, aapne dekha hoga ki hum logon ne yahan par bakayada, videsh mantralaya ne statement jari kiye hain is par, is mudde par, China ke mudde par, Arunachal Pradesh ke mudde par. Aur main chahunga ki aap hamari statements ko dekhain, paini najar se dekhain, phir aapko pata chalega ke kitni gehrai aur kitne jor se hum log apni baat ko rakh rahe hain.
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Pranay, on your question, you must have seen that Ministry of External Affairs has issued statements on this issue, on the issue of China, on the issue of Arunachal Pradesh. And I would like you to look at our statements closely, then you will understand how deeply and firmly we are putting forth our position.
Then we come to the issue of Katchatheevu by Suchitra, Sudhi, Umashankar and Pranay. So, I would like to tell you that on the issues that have been raised, External Affairs Minister has spoken to the Press here in Delhi and also in Gujarat clarifying all the issues. I would refer that you please look at his Press engagements. You will get your answers there.
Madhurendra: Sir, Madhurendra, main News Nation se. Mera sawal Israel ja rahe bhartiya jo shramik hain unke jatthe ko lekar hai, ki jab yudhdh shuru hua tha toh hum bhartiyon ko wahan se le kar aaye, abhi yudhdh samaapt bhi nahi hua hai aur hum wahan par apne shramikon ko kaam karne ke liye bhej rahe hain, toh kya koi iske piche policy mei badlav hai, aur kya iske piche reason behind hai agar batana chahe toh?
[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Sir, Madhudendra here from News Nation. My question is regarding the groups of Indian laborers going to Israel. When the conflict began, we brought Indians back from there. Now, the conflict hasn't ended yet, and we are sending our laborers there to work. So, is there any change in policy behind this, and if you could explain the reasons behind it?
Rishabh: Sir Rishabh from Times Now. Sir, I just wanted to add to what Madhurendra said. Sir, the Israeli Ambassador and the Israeli Embassy here in New Delhi posted on X that under G2G Agreement, we are taking these 60; when was this Agreement signed? Because MoS MEA, V. Muraleedharan in Rajya Sabha back in December had said that there is nothing of this sort that is being discussed. So now, if we can have a timeline that how this got forwarded and when did the Agreement got signed and how were these people selected?
Ayushi: This is Ayushi Agarwal from ANI, so a connected question on what Rishabh asked. Can we also have details regarding the safety parameters of these workers? Has the Israeli side given us some assurance and also, do we have any details of that workplace, like where they would be employed, will they be sent to the border areas? And the advisory that you issued in March regarding the safety of our Indian nationals…is the advisory that you issued in March, is it still in effect?
Suhasini: Suhasini Haidar from Hindu. Further clarifying on all the questions that have already been asked, specifically the issue of occupied territories within Israel, settlements that are not recognized by India. Do you expect that any of these workers will be working in those areas or in areas along Gaza or in fact in part of any reconstruction effort inside Gaza? Are there specific assurances that India has either sought or received on where exactly they will be located? I do have another question…US Treasury officials are in Delhi right now for talks about their second phase of price cap sanctions and they seek now to…in fact increase the breadth of who those sanctions will affect. What is India's stand on the US oil price cap and what do you expect will be India's message during these meetings?
Sanjay: The UK's Deputy Prime Minister has accused China of hacking the Electoral Commission of UK and China has been sort of involved in the past in India as well in many of cyber attacks. India is going for general election. What is your comment? Do you think China could be up to something in that nature as well?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Madhurendra, aapka sawal Israel ko lekar hai, jaisa ki aap jante hain ki Israel mei hamare bahot saare nagrik waha par karyarat hain, kariban 18,000 log hamare khaas kar caregivers wahan karyarat hain. Hamari jo wahan par Embassy hai woh unse lagatar touch mei hai, unki dekhbhal ke liye, unki suraksha ke liye, aur woh hamare liye ek aham mudda hai.
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Madhurendra, your question is regarding Israel, as you are aware that our several citizens are working there. Approximately 18,000 people, especially caregivers, are working there. Our Embassy there is in constant touch with them, ensuring for their well-being and safety, and this is an important issue for us.
As far as other questions that you have asked, Ayushi and others, the first batch of people under the G2G Agreement have gone to Israel. For us, their safety of course is very important. We have urged the Israeli authorities to do their best to take care of their safety and their well-being. It is of prime importance. That is where I would leave that issue. Ayushi, you also talked about the advisory, advisories about all our Indian nationals who are there and we have a large number of Indian nationals who are present in Israel.
Suhasini you asked questions about specific assurances, we have urged the Israeli authorities to take safety of our people very seriously and to do whatever is required in that regard.
Suhasini: My question was about sovereignty issue Sir, about whether they would be working in any settlement areas or areas that are not recognised by India as part of Israel?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: No, they are going to Israel. See, these are construction workers. You know where construction happens. Construction is happening in areas where relatively economic activities are happening etc. Obviously, those considerations are important.
You also asked about the price cap. US Treasury Secretary is here in Delhi. For us, anything to do with energy security, oil purchases, our buying in the international market; all these are guided by our energy security requirement and also it's a commercial exercise that we do. It's a commercial venture that we are engaged. We buy oil from the international market wherever it is available at the most cheapest available rate because we have to ensure energy security and that's of prime consideration.
Sanjay, your question was regarding cyber security. Cyber security issues are very important for us. We have a large population. We have a large number of Indians who are connected to the digital world. We are rolling out so many services on digital world. You know about Digital India, you know about all the services that we are doing. Therefore, for that reason, cyber security is a matter of very importance. Whether it originates from A, B, C doesn't matter. Whether it originates from Patna or from elsewhere, it doesn't…for us, cyber security is of prime consideration. We'll do all that is required to enhance our security.
Sudhi: Sir Sudhi Ranjan, thank you for giving me a second question, Sir. Sir, any comments on the Israeli attack on the Iranian Consulate in Syria?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: See, on that particular issue, Sudhi, we have noted with concern the attack on Iranian diplomatic premises on Syria on 1st April, 2024. India is distressed at the escalating tensions in West Asia and the potential to fuel further violence and instability. We urge all parties to avoid actions that go against commonly accepted principles and norms of international law. So that is our point, that is our statement on what you said, our reaction to the attack.
Subhajyoti: This is Subhajyoti from BBC News. In Bangladesh, so-called India Out campaign, which is basically a boycott call for Indian products, is going on and it's picking up momentum. And some of the prominent opposition leaders have extended their support to it. So would you like to make any comment on that? And secondly, I mean, is it having any impact on the volume of Indian exports to Bangladesh?
Urvashi: Sir, while you said to look at the Press engagements of EAM regarding Katchatheevu issue, certain things have been highlighted and come to the light after his Press engagements, like the RTI discrepancies between 2015 and 2024. So if you can just specifically…if you can just throw a light on the discrepancy, one; and how do you react to the leaders from Sri Lanka, the kind of statements that they are coming out with, on the same. This is Urvashi from the New Indian.
Ileana: Good afternoon. Ileana, TASS News Agency. India and Russia, my country, have been closely and long time cooperating in the fighting against terrorism. And as we know, unfortunately, recently there was a huge barbaric, very tragic, how to say, all words are here, yes, attack on a concert hall in Moscow region. We received Indian Prime Minister's condolences. So, regarding India-Russia ties in the fight against terrorism, have there any contacts been between the two sides on the issue of investigating this terror attack? Has India shared, maybe, any data or information with the Russian side on this issue? Thank you.
Kallol: Kallol from the Hindu. This is following Urvashi's question on Katchatheevu. Usually we have seen that such diplomatic issues as well as bilateral diplomatic treaties, whenever these are raised, these are raised from this platform that you are sitting in, or maybe by the External Affairs Minister from within the premises of the External Affairs Ministry. I have seen several occasions, such occasions in the past. What really prompted the External Affairs Minister to raise this issue from the party platform? That is why I am really intrigued because are you really raising…I understand the diplomatic implications of saying, whatever has been happening over the last few days, but is it really a political issue or is it a diplomatic-diplomatic issue? Because I am looking at the magnitude of this issue here, really, Sir.
Sidhant: Sir, recently we saw comments by the Pakistani Foreign Minister saying that when it comes to trade with India, this is something that they could look into. How does India see those comments by the Pakistani Foreign Minister?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay. Regarding your question, I would like to say that India-Bangladesh relations are very strong and deep. We have a very comprehensive partnership that spans across sectors, from economy to trade to investment to development cooperation, connectivity, people to people. You name any human endeavour; it is part and parcel of, almost part and parcel of India-Bangladesh relations. That is how vibrant this partnership is and it will continue to be so.
Urvashi, you had a question on Katchatheevu. Again, I would say that please take out some time and all your questions that you have raised on Katchatheevu have been answered by External Affairs Minister in his Press engagement here in Delhi and also in Gujarat. So I would urge you that please refer to those Press engagements. You will be satisfied with the clarification that you seek.
Ileana, regarding your question, yes, our Prime Minister had condemned the attack and so had so many other people. It was a ghastly attack and our deepest condolences to you. You know, India-Russia partnership is again a strategic partnership. We have several areas of work that we do together, counter-terrorism and security, defence, also an equally important pillar of cooperation between India and Russia and we want to strengthen our ties, including in these areas.
Kallol, regarding your question, I refer you to the Press engagements of External Affairs Minister, so I would leave it at that.
Sidhant, regarding your question, yes, we have seen some reports. We saw some reports about the Foreign Minister’s comments, but thereafter I would like to refer you to the comments made by the Spokesperson of the Pakistani Foreign Ministry. Please have a look at those comments. You will see that there is a contradiction between the two. So that is where it is.
Abhishek: This is Abhishek Jha from CNN News 18. On Pakistan, recently on Pakistan National Day, Pakistan's High Commissioner, in his speech, said that we can emerge from the shadow of past and a a new future for our people of our two nations; and also that all the pending issues can be resolved with mutual respect, including the issue of Jammu and Kashmir. How do you see that statement and what is your comment on that?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: So Abhishek, on that, we will of course go by what the Pakistani Foreign Ministry Spokesperson has said. So I would again urge you to look at the statement that she has made. That is how we look at the issue.
Ayushi: Sir, Ayushi Agarwal from ANI. I just want to have an update on the Maldives thing, because the President has again said that Indian troops stationed on the second platform will be withdrawn within this current month. What is the update on that and when is the next team expected to reach there as we had last sent in March or something?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: So you know, we have been updating you with all the high level Core Group meetings that have happened. We told you that the decision had been taken for the turnaround of the first batch of Indian personnel who are there. When we have any further update in this matter, we will apprise you of it.
Pia: Pia with the Print. Sir, just wanted to clarify, you said that the Indian workers who are going to Israel were part of a Government to Government Agreement predating the conflict. You are talking about the Agreement that was signed in May 2023 when the Israel Foreign Minister came down. Just a clarification would be appreciated.
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: I do not know exactly what you are referring to, but I have said this in my earlier Presser also. The engagement that we have, G2G engagement, it predates the conflict.
Urvashi: Sir, an update regarding the Doha case when last veteran who is still there, when is his return expected to India?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: I would refer you, Urvashi, to other Pressers that we have had here. I have clarified this issue there that as and when…he has certain requirements to fulfill, once those requirements are fulfilled then he will come back.
Thank you very much. Take care.