Transcript of Weekly Media Briefing by the Official Spokesperson (October 30, 2025)
India - Ministry of External Affairs
October 30, 2025
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Let's begin our session. The floor is open for questions.
Shailendra Wangu, News18 India: Sir, Shailendra Wangu, News18 India. Aapne dekha hoga ki raashtrapati Trump jab abhi daure par the Asia ke, jahaan par unhone baar-baar yah daava kiya hai ki trade ka dhamki dekar, 250% trade ki dhamki dekar, unhone Bharat aur Pakistan ka yudh rukvaya. Aur unhone yah bhi baar-baar kaha hai ki Russia se jo import hai oil ka, usko lekar Bharat taiyaar ho chuka hai. Inhone repeatedly yah baat kaha kahi hai, is par aap kya kahenge?
[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, Shailendra Wangu, News18 India. You must have seen that when President Trump was recently on a tour of Asia, he repeatedly claimed that by giving trade threats — by threatening with 250% trade tariffs — he stopped the war between India and Pakistan. He also repeatedly said that India has now become ready regarding the import of oil from Russia. He has said this repeatedly — what would you say about this?
Sidhant, WION: Sir, we have seen a statement by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation on Kashmir, something that has been tradition. Any Indian reaction?
Simontini Bhattacharjee, MillenniumPost: Sir, I am Simontini Bhattacharjee from Millennium Post newspaper. Sir, reports suggest that India has vacated its establishment at Ayni Airbase in Tajikistan. Could you please confirm the reports, and what prompted India's decision, and how does this impact India's strategic presence in Central Asia? Thank you.
Ayushi Agarwal, ANI: Sir, this is Ayushi Agarwal from ANI. My question is related to the recent conversation between our Prime Minister and Japanese Prime Minister. How much was QUAD discussed between the two leaders and any discussion on the summit dates?
Huma Siddiqui, Stratnews Global: Sir, there have been reports that some Indians were deported from the US just a week or 10 days ago. So, would you have number of Indians deported from the US and the UK so far?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay. First Shailendra aapka sawaal. Dekhiye, maine is mudde par aur isse sambandhit mudde par spashṭ kiya hai pehle. Aur main chaahoonga ki jo hum logon ne pehle bola hai aur spasht kiya hai is maamle mein, us par aap dhyaan dain.
[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Okay. First, Shailendra, I have already clarified this issue and the related matters earlier as well. And I would like you to pay attention to what we have already said and clarified in this regard earlier.
Sidhant, your question regarding the statement made by OIC Secretariat. We reject those statements. They don't have any locus standi to speak on matters which are internal to India.
Simontini, regarding your question. See, we had a bilateral arrangement with Tajikistan for the rehabilitation and development of Ayni aerodrome. This arrangement was in place for several years. After the conclusion of the agreement that we had with Tajikistan, we have handed over the facility to the Tajik side. This happened in 2022.
Aayushi, yes. Prime Minister had a conversation with the new incoming Prime Minister of Japan. He congratulated her on assuming office. He also discussed India-Japan bilateral ties. This, of course, is a very important partnership for us. It is multifaceted in character. All those issues were discussed. As far as the question of the QUAD is concerned, let me tell you that we see it as a valuable forum for discussion on shared interest in a number of areas to the four partners. Any leaders' summit is scheduled through diplomatic consultations among the four partners.
Huma, on deportation, since January of this year, we have had around 2790 plus Indian nationals who did not meet the criteria. They were illegally staying there. We verified their credentials, their nationality. And they have returned. This is the status till yesterday, that is 29th October. From the UK side, this year we have had around 100 Indian nationals who have been deported after their nationality was duly verified by us.
Parikshit: Sir, how do you see the US-China talks that have taken place in South Korea? successful conclusion of talks? On the issue of rare earth magnets especially. We have been learning from the industry that at least four Indian companies have received licenses from the Chinese government to import magnets. Having said that, because US and China have agreed on a deal to defer the new export controls for a year, does that mean those export controls which kick in on 8th November, the second phase of export controls, do they get deferred for India as well?
Yeshi Seli, Business India: This is Yeshi Seli from Business India. My question is on US sanctions on Russian oil. Does this imply that even the short-term contract that we have with Rosneft and Lukoil comes to an end immediately or will it be implemented after that is over?
And secondly, I have a question on Bangladesh. Their elections are likely to happen next year. Is India putting forth this proposal that there should be free and fair elections and that Awami League should be a part of them?
Jessica Taneja. DD India: This is Jessica Taneja for DD India. Will India consider funding or construction of a dam project in Afghanistan's Kunar province?
Krishna Mohan Sharma, Bharat Express: Bharat Express se Krishna Mohan Sharma. Mera sawal ye hai ki Russia aur America aur Bharat ke beech jo oil export aur import ki baat chal rahi hai uske darmiyaan kuch Indian company ne kya vastav mein Russia se tel lena band kar diya hai?
[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] From Bharat Express, Krishna Mohan Sharma. My question is — amidst the ongoing discussions between Russia, America, and India regarding oil export and import, have any Indian companies actually stopped purchasing oil from Russia?
Siddhant Mishra, CNN News18: Hi sir, I have two questions. One is regarding the statement made by Secretary of State Marco Rubio where he said when he was asked about US deepening ties with Pakistan. He said that these ties are not at the expense of US relations with India. So, I want your comments on that.
And second sir, we have been told that there has been an exemption which has been granted for the Chabahar port till April. If you can give some more details on that. Thank you.
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: So, first Parikshit, coming to your question. Yes, we confirm that some Indian companies have received licenses for importing rare earth magnets from China. As far as the question of the latest talks and relaxations that have happened between US and China as to how it is going to play into our domain, I will come back to you. We have yet to look at it. I am not aware of the technicalities, but we will come back to you. But I do confirm that Indian companies have received licenses for importing rare earths from China.
Yeshi, your question regarding US sanctions on Russian oil companies. We are studying the implications of these sanctions. As we have said this before also, the decisions that we take naturally take into account the evolving dynamics that is there in the global market. Our position on the larger question of energy sourcing is well known to you. In this endeavour, we are guided by the imperative to secure affordable energy from diverse sources for meeting the energy security requirements and needs of 1.4 billion people.
Dekhiye jahan tak American sanctions ka sawal hai jo unhhone Russian companies ke upar lagaya hai, isko hum log abhi kis prakar se hamare upar iski impact hogi, is baat ko hum log abhi uski adhyayan kar rahe hain. Jo hamara decision hota hai tel kharidne mein usse aap bhali bhathi aap avagat hai. Ki ye jo bazaar mein jo dynamics hai, jo uthal puthal hai, usko lete hue hum aage badhte hain. Aur hamara jo khud indhan kharidne ka jo sourcing ka jo approach hai, usme jo hamare log hai jinko indhan dena hai aur saste daam pe muhaiya karana hai, aise daam pe muhaiya karana hai ki unki zarurate unko mil sake. Yeh hamare jo 1.4 billion matlab 140 crore log hain, unke zaruuraton ko dekhte hue liya jata hai.
[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Look, as far as the issue of American sanctions on Russian companies is concerned — we are currently studying how and to what extent these sanctions might impact us. As you are well aware, our decisions regarding oil purchases are guided by market dynamics — the fluctuations and changes that occur in the global market. Our approach to sourcing fuel is shaped by our responsibility to provide energy to our people — to ensure that fuel is available at affordable prices, so that the needs of our 1.4 billion (that is, 140 crore) citizens can be met.
Yeshi, on elections. See, it is our expectation that the elections in Bangladesh should be free, fair, inclusive, and participatory in nature.
Jessica on your question regarding Kunar. We had the Foreign Minister of Afghanistan, he visited India recently. As part of the visit, we had issued a joint statement between both countries. This particular joint statement clearly emphasizes that India stands ready to support all efforts of Afghanistan that are directed towards sustainable management of water resources, including hydroelectric projects. You also would know that between the two countries, there has been a long history of cooperation on water matters. The Salma Dam, for example, is a perfect example of this cooperation, which is today called India-Afghanistan Friendship Dam.
Krishna Mohan ji aapka sawal tel ke bare mein tha. Humne kai ek report dekhi hai aur hamare bhartiya company ne bataya bhi hai ki kis prakar ka ravaiya hai unka. Aur usko aap logon ko avagat karaya. Maine kai ek report hamare bhartiya tel company ki taraf se dekha hai. Toh main aapse chahunga ki un company ka jo unhhone vaktavya jari kiya hai us par aap nazar dale. Jahan tak hamara sawal hai Bharat Sarkar ka sawal hai ... hum logon ne bataya hai ki jo hamare logon ki zarurate hain 140 crore bhartiyon ki zarurate aur hamare jo rastra hit hai aur sath hi sath videshi bazaar mein global market mein jo dynamics hai, un sabhi ke sath sabko milajula ke hum log is pe decision lete hain. Ki kahan se hum apne indhan ko urja ko source kare.
[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Krishna Mohan ji, your question was about oil. We have seen several reports, and our Indian companies have also informed us about their approach — which has already been shared with you. I have seen many reports issued by our Indian oil companies, and, I would request you to look at the statements those companies themselves have released. As far as the Government of India is concerned, we have made it clear that our decisions are based on the needs of our 1.4 billion citizens, our national interests, and also the dynamics in the global market. Taking all these factors into account together, we decide from where we will source our fuel and energy needs.
Sidhant, your question on India US relations. You see India US relations is a comprehensive global strategic partnership. We remain engaged with both countries to continue to strengthen it further. On your question regarding exemption for Chabahar. Yes, I can confirm that we have been granted exemption for a six-month period on the American sanctions that were applicable on Chabahar.
Gautam Lahiri: Sir, good evening. This is Gautam Lahiri. You know, recently Chief of General Staff of Pakistan has visited Bangladesh, where the Chief Advisor has presented a booklet containing some graffitis. One of the graffiti's is a distorted map of Bangladesh, including a certain portion of the Indian north-eastern side. Whether India accepts this kind of distributing graffiti? It comes under diplomatic protocol... that they can gift anything which contains some distorted map?
Suhasini Haidar, The Hindu: I just wanted to follow up on Parikshit's question on what President Trump is calling the G2 summit between the U.S. and China. As a consequence of that summit, India is now the highest tariffed country in the world at 50%. China is a little lower effectively. Given this kind of targeting of India, and it's now been for more than six months, is the government considering any kind of counter moves against the U.S., higher tariffs on products already there?
And just a clarification about last week's ASEAN summit. Prime Minister Modi decided not to go. He conveyed that decision to the Malaysian Prime Minister less than 72 hours before the summit. What was the reason given for it? Because there is no official reason given so far. Thank you.
Rishikesh, PTI: Sir, Rishikesh from PTI. So has India received any proposal from U.S. or Israel to join Gaza Peace Force? And is government considering to join this force?
Mukesh, Dainik Bhaskar: Sir, Mukesh from Dainik Bhaskar. Sir, follow up to Suhasini's question, the formation of G2. Some time ago, President Trump has said that we may have lost India to China. Do you think that now U.S. was lost to China?
Niraj, News18 India: Sir Niraj, News18 India se. Abhi jab Turkey mein Pakistan aur Afghanistan ke beech baat chit chal rahi thi to border pe Afghanistan Pakistan ke do samuh ne ghusbaith kiya tha sangharsh hua tha. To uske liye zimmedar Pakistan ek bar phir Fitna al-Khawarij ke liye Bharat ko zimmedar thahara raha hai. Aakhir aisa Pakistan baar baar kyun kar raha hai? ke andarooni mamlo mein Bharat ka hath bata raha hai?
[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, Niraj from News18 India. Recently, when talks were taking place in Turkey between Pakistan and Afghanistan, two groups from Afghanistan and Pakistan clashed at the border after an incursion. For this incident, Pakistan has once again blamed India, holding it responsible calling it Fitna al-Khawarij. Why is Pakistan repeatedly trying to involve India and hold it responsible for its internal matters?
Abhishek: Sir Pakistan ke Defense Minister Khawja Asif ne ye bhi kaha hai ki Afghanistan aur Pakistan ke beech jo ladai ho rahi hai usme Afghanistan Bharat ki taraf se proxy ladai kar raha hai. Aur agar Istanbul mein unki varta nahi chal pati hai to there will be no option but for an open war between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Your comment on that.
[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has also said that in the ongoing conflict between Afghanistan and Pakistan, Afghanistan is fighting a proxy war on behalf of India. And if their talks in Istanbul do not succeed, there will be no option left but an open war between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Sir, what is your comment on that?
So, Gautam, first your question. We do understand that a book titled Art of Triumph related to July 2024 developments in Bangladesh ... it contains certain graffitis. We also believe that the Bangladesh side has issued a clarification in this matter.
Suhasini, your question regarding tariffs. Well, on the trade, India-US bilateral trade that we are engaged in. We continue to remain engaged with the US side to conclude a trade deal and these discussions are continuing. On the specific questions of tariffs, etc., I would refer you to Ministry of Commerce. On ASEAN Summit, Prime Minister of India participated virtually in the summit. It was a successful summit. We have given you a readout. There were several announcements that were made, including that both ASEAN and India have designated 2026 as India-ASEAN Year of Maritime Cooperation. So, those details are there. I would refer you to look at our press release for the substantive engagement we had with our ASEAN partners.
Rishikesh, on peace plan, yes, India has welcomed the peace plan and that is where it is.
Mukesh ji, US-China ke bare mein agar aapka sawal hai to US se puchhe ya to China se puchhe, agar Bharat se kuch sawal puchhna hai to fir mere se puchhe.
[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Mukesh ji, if your question is about US-China, ask the US or ask China; if you want to ask something about India, then ask me.
Niraj and Abhishek, both your questions are interrelated and about the latest developments that are happening between our two neighbors.
Pichle bhi briefing mein maine is baat ka zikr kiya tha aur aapko bataya tha ki hum is masle pe kya sochte hain. Pakistan Afghanistan dwara apne kshetron par samprabhuta ke prayog karne se krudh hai. Pakistan aisa sochta hai ki uska adhikar hai ki woh seema par cross border terrorism karta rahega aur dannd mukti ke sath karta rahega. Yeh manna hai unke padossiyo ka bhi ki yeh swikarniya nahi hai. Jahan tak Bharat ka sawal hai, hum Afghanistan ke samprabhuta, chetriya akhandta aur swatantrata ke liye pratibaddh hain.
[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] In the previous briefing too, I had mentioned this and clarified to you what our position is on this issue. Pakistan is upset with Afghanistan for exercising sovereignty over its own territories. Pakistan believes it has the right to continue cross-border terrorism along the border, and to do so with impunity. Its neighbors believe that this is unacceptable. As far as India is concerned, we are committed to the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence of Afghanistan.
In my last briefing, I had elaborated our point of view, our thoughts on this particular matter. I reiterate what I had said in my last briefing, that Pakistan is infuriated with Afghanistan exercising sovereignty over its own territories. Pakistan seems to think that it has the right to practice cross-border terrorism with impunity. Its neighbors find it unacceptable. India remains fully committed to the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence of Afghanistan.
Shivam Patel, Reuters News: Thank you, sir. This is Shivam Patel from Reuters News. I wanted to ask your view on U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement on testing of nuclear weapons.
Also, sir, President Putin is expected to come to India in December for the summit. How do you view the pressure on India to stop purchases of Russian oil and just the pressure on India's ties with Russia, in general?
Srinjoy: Sir, there are reports that Zakir Naik will be in Bangladesh next month. Is there any proposal to request the Bangladesh government if they can hand him over to the Indian government?
Ajay Banerjee, Tribune: Sir, good evening. Ajay Banerjee from the Tribune. Sir, certain European companies have been given a waiver by the U.S. with regards to purchase of energy from Russia. And the US and UK have issued notifications exempting a few European countries and their refineries. Are we going to seek a similar exemption, especially in terms of ... because Rosneft has its own subsidiaries in India, too?
Jacky Martens, BBC News: Hi. Jacky Martens, BBC. It's been almost a year since Harshita Brella's body was found in the boot of a car in the UK. Can I check whether the Indian government has had official communication that Pankaj Lamba is wanted for her death, for her murder, and her rape? And if yes, what steps have the Indian government taken in the last year?
Keshav Padmanabhan, ThePrint: Thank you, Sir. Keshav Padmanabhan from ThePrint. I have a question on ASEAN. Fundamentally, can you give us a state of understanding on the review for AITIGA, because it was there in the statement after the end of the meeting?
And secondly, did the External Affairs Minister raise the issue of Zakir Naik while he was in Malaysia with any of the Malaysian officials? Thank you.
Rishabh, Times Now: Sir, good evening, Rishab, from Times Now. Sir, an Indian-origin person who has been wrongly convicted in a murder case in 1980s has now been released, saying that he was innocent and he hasn't committed that crime. Now ICE has taken him into custody and they say that they will deport him to India. The said gentleman, Mr. Vedham, has only been in India for nine months and the family say that they do not have much link here in India. Your thoughts on that, sir?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay, first, Shivam, to your question, on our position on nuclear issues or where India stands on several aspects of nuclear matters. We have spoken about it on several occasions, so I would request you to look at our statements.
On the visit of President Putin, see India-Russia relationship is an important relationship. We have a multifaceted cooperation and both sides are working to further enhance their engagement in several areas, economic areas, in space, in technology, on trade and several other issues. So, we will continue to work on the areas that we have mutually agreed.
Srinjoy, on Zakir Naik being invited. Well, he is a fugitive. He is wanted in India. So, we expect that wherever he goes, those people will take due action against him, and meet our security concerns.
Ajay, on your question. We are studying the implications of the American sanctions on Russian oil companies. So, we will have to wait. We will have to make an assessment on our own as to what sort of implications they are going to have on us.
Jacky, I do not have an update on Harshita Brella case, but I understand that this is a matter which has legal implications and the matter is subjudice. I will give you an update on this matter as to where exactly it stands in terms of cooperation between India and the UK, as to what we have to do to take this matter forward from the point of legalities and judicial proceedings.
Keshav, on ASEAN. Yes, Foreign Minister did have a meeting with the Foreign Minister of Malaysia. He also called on the Prime Minister of Malaysia. All aspects of India-Malaysia relationship were discussed and that also includes security cooperation, economic matters, so on and so forth.
On your question regarding AITIGA. This is again an issue which was reviewed at the leaders level and we have made a mention of it in the statement that we released. So, we give due importance to it. Hopefully, we will take it forward and all our ASEAN partners will come together in it.
Rishabh, on this question of this gentleman, we have seen reports on it and we are closely following the developments. We will see how it unfolds. It is still an evolving situation.
Sudhi Ranjan Sen, Bloomberg: Sir, Sudhi Ranjan from Bloomberg. Just a clarification on the exemption that India has received on the Chabahar port. If you could give us an understanding when it has come and till how long that is going to be valid.
At the cost of repetition, going back to Trump's comments yesterday. He kind of said that he had spoken to Prime Minister Modi. Is there anything that you want to, you know, during the conflict ... it seems that is what we could understand. If you could give us an understanding and your position on that again.
Sanjeev Rathi, Univarta: Sir, main Sanjeev Rathi, Univarta se. Sir, kuch reports aayi hai ki European sangh ke netato ko Gantantra Divas par Mukhya atithi ke rup mein aamantrit kiya jayega. Is par aap kya kahenge?
[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, I'm Sanjeev Rathi from Univarta. Sir, there are some reports suggesting that leaders of the European Union may be invited as the Chief Guests for the Republic Day celebrations. What would you say about that?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: So, Sudhi, to your question, the exemption has been granted for six months. It has come in recent days. I will be able to give you exact date as to when we got that exemption, once I step out of the podium, and we will get those details for you.
On the question of comments made, look, on this particular matter, we have made it very clear what we think, what is our position. So, I would ask you to look at what we have said in the past.
Rathiji on your ... aapka sawal. Dekhiye gantantra Divas 26 January 2026 ko hoga. Abhi se aur tab mein teen mahine ka fasla hai. Teen mahine bahut lamba fasla hota hai. Toh thoda sa aap sabr rakhe aapko upyukt samay pe hum log batayenge ki us 26 January ka Gantantra Divas ka hamare yaha kon Mukhya atithi aane wale hain.
[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Rathiji, regarding your question — look, Republic Day will be on 26th January 2026. There are still three months to go until then, and three months is quite a long time. So please be a little patient. At the appropriate time, we will inform you who will be the Chief Guest for our Republic Day celebrations on 26th January.
Ladies and gentlemen, thank you very much.
All the very best.
New Delhi
October 30, 2025
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
