Transcript of Weekly Media Briefing by the Official Spokesperson (November 07, 2025)
India - Ministry of External Affairs
November 07, 2025
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Let's begin our engagement. The floor is open.
Jessica Taneja, DD India: Hi, sir. This is Jessica Taneja for DD India. So, what is India's response to US President Donald Trump's remarks on Pakistan's nuclear testing?
Yeshi Seli, Business India: This is Yeshi Seli from Business India. There are reports suggesting that Taliban is going to send a diplomat to India. I'd like to know what level. Is it an Ambassador level? And also, will this imply that the existing flag of Afghanistan will be changed and the Taliban flag will be there? And then, what is left for India not to recognize the Government then?
Megha Sharma, NewsX: Good afternoon, sir. This is Megha Sharma from NewsX. And my question is about the comments that have been made by US President Donald Trump yesterday. He's said that talks with India with regards to trade are going very well. And he may visit India next year. So, the question is, is the QUAD Leader Summit cancelled? Is it happening? Is it going to happen without President Trump? Or is it going to be postponed to next year when President Trump arrives?
Shailendra Wangu, News18 India: Sir, Shailendra Wangu, News18 India. Do sawal hain sir, pehla toh yeh ki RSF jo ladake hain Sudan mein unhone ek bhartiya ko kidnap kiya. Uske kuch videos bhi viral hue hain iske baad Sudan embassy mein jo ambassador yahan pe hain unhone kaha ki hum touch mein hain Bharat sarkar ke aur jo dutavas Bharat ka hai Port of Sudan mein. Toh us bare mein koi update hai, unko rescue karane ke liye kuch, kyunki already media mein bahut kuch aa chuka hai.
Dusra sir yeh ki Major retired Vikrant Jaitley jinko leke abhi recently Celina Jaitley jo actress hai unka ek statement samne aaya tha ki apne bhai ki rihai ke liye wo kadam utha rahi hai. Unhone court ka rukh bhi kiya hai. Toh kya UAE ke sath koi sampark ho paya hey is mamle ko leke?
[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, Shailendra Wangu, News18 India. I have two questions, sir. The first is that the RSF fighters in Sudan have kidnapped an Indian national. Some videos related to this incident have also gone viral. After that, the Ambassador of Sudan here said that they are in touch with the Government of India and with the Indian Embassy located at the Port of Sudan. Is there any update regarding this matter, or any effort being made to rescue him? Because a lot has already come out in the media about it.
The second question, sir, is regarding Major (Retd.) Vikrant Jaitley. Recently, actress Celina Jaitley made a statement saying that she is taking steps for the release of her brother. She has also approached the court. So, has there been any communication with the UAE authorities regarding this case?
Brahm Prakash Dubey, Zee News: Sir, Brahm Prakash Dubey, Zee News se. Mera sawal hai kal US President ka jo bayan aaya hai ki Bharat ne Russia se tel kharidna band kar diya hai, ab mai jaldi hi India jaunga. Pradhan Mantri Narendra Modi mere acche dost hain. Toh isko lekar Bharat ka kya comment hai, kya Russia se tel kharidna band kar diya hai Bharat ne? ya fir Ameriki rashtrapati fir jhoot bol rahe hain?
[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, Brahm Prakash Dubey from Zee News. My question is regarding the statement made by the US President yesterday, where he said that India has stopped buying oil from Russia and that he will soon be visiting India. He also mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a good friend of his. So, what is India's comment on this? Has India actually stopped purchasing oil from Russia, or is the U.S. President once again making a false claim? Thank you.
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: So, several questions. First, coming to your question, Jessica.
See, clandestine and illegal nuclear activities are in keeping with Pakistan's history. That is centered around decades of smuggling, export control violations, secret partnerships, AQ Khan network and further proliferation. India has always drawn the attention of the international community to these aspects of Pakistan's record. In this backdrop, we have taken note of President Trump's comment about Pakistan's nuclear testing.
Pakistan ki gupt aur gair kanooni Parmanu gatividhiyan uske purane itihas se mel khaati hai. Jo ki dashko ki taskari, niryaat niyantran ke ullanghan, gupt sajhedariyan, AQ Khan network aur parmanu prasar ka aur badhana par aadharit raha hai. Bharat ne Pakistan ke record ke in pahluo par hamesha duniya ka dhyan akarshit kiya hai. Isi pristh bhumi mein humne Pakistan ke parmanu parikshan par rashtrapati Trump ki tippani ko note kiya hai.
[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Pakistan's secret and illegal nuclear activities are consistent with its long history of smuggling, violations of export control regulations, covert partnerships, the A.Q. Khan network, and continued nuclear proliferation. India has always drawn the world's attention to these aspects of Pakistan's record. It is in this context that we have taken note of President Trump's remarks regarding Pakistan's nuclear tests.
Yeshi in regard to your question regarding Afghanistan, we had the visit of the Foreign Minister of Afghanistan to India recently. Since then, we have also had several exchanges in terms of development cooperation, as also telephone conversations between the External Affairs Minister and the Foreign Minister of Afghanistan. We have kept you updated with developments. As to how things are going to unfold, we will let you know as and when we have more information in this regard.
As far as our own Embassy, the upgrading of our technical mission in Kabul is concerned, we told you that it has been upgraded to an Embassy. And we are looking at how to now look at its functionalities, its functions, responsibilities, how we are going to increase its strength. So these are things that are under consideration and will happen subsequently.
Neha, your question is regarding two things. On Quad, we have kept you informed that we see Quad as a valuable platform for discussion among the four Quad partners on issues of importance, of interest to them in the Indo-Pacific region. Quad is making steady progress. We, recently, as part of the India Maritime Week that was held in Mumbai, had Quad Ports of the Future Conference in Mumbai on 29th and 30th of October. We had almost 24 countries participate in it, which included the four Quad partners. And there were some 120 delegates which had participated in it.
As far as the comments of President Trump regarding his visit to India is concerned, I do not have anything on this to share. I will let you know when I have something to share with you.
Shailendra, yes, aapki jankari sahi hai. Aur hum logo ne .... ek bhartiya nagrik Sudan mein wo RSF ke custody mein hai. Jaisa ki aap jante hain ki wahan par Al Fashir jo kshetra hai wahan par ladai chal rahi hai. Hum log Sudan ke sarkar se aur wahan jo antar-rashtriya jo sansthaye hain unse lagatar sampark mein hai taki jo hamare bhartiya nagrik unki custody mein hai unko sahi salamat chudaya jaye aur unki suraksha hum pradan kar sake.
Jaha tak Major Vikrant Jaitley ka sawal hai. Hum log is mudde par UAE ke sarkar se sampark banaye hue hain. Pichle kai mahino mein char bar hum logo ne Counselor access manga aur uske tahat hamare dutavas ke afsar unse ja ke mile hain. Saath hi saath hum log inke parivar se aur unki dharm patni hai unse sampark mein rahe hain. Abhi haalike din mein 3 November ko Delhi high court ka bhi aadesh aaya tha, aur uske mutabik jo bhi humse jo assistance ho sakta hai all possible assistance usko hum log unko offer kar rahe hain.
[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Shailendra, yes — your information is correct. We have ascertained that an Indian national in Sudan is in the custody of the RSF. As you know, fighting is ongoing in the Al-Fashir area. We are in continuous contact with the Sudanese government and the international organizations present there so that any Indian national held in custody can be safely released and we can ensure their security.
As far as the case of Major Vikrant Jaitley is concerned, we have been in regular contact with the Government of the UAE regarding this matter. Over the past several months, we have requested consular access four times, under which our embassy officials met him. At the same time, we have been in touch with his family, including his wife. Recently, on November 3, the Delhi High Court also issued an order, and in accordance with that, we are extending all possible assistance that can be provided from our side.
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: So on the case of Major Vikrant Jaitley, we are in touch with UAE authorities. Our embassy is seized of the matter. We have been making counselor visits to him, and we have done so on four occasions. We are also in close touch with his family including his wife. As is natural, whenever there's an Indian national who needs support, we are offering all possible assistance. On 3rd November, this matter came up in Hon'ble Delhi High Court and the High Court had given certain directions. Based on those directions, we are providing all possible assistance to Major Vikrant.
Brahm, dekhiye jahan tak urza niryaat karne ka sawal hai ya uske sourcing ka sawal hai aap log hamare jo approach hai usse bhali bhanti wakif hain ki kis cheez pe aadharit hota hai. Jo hamari energy security ki jo jarurate hain us par aadharit hota hai aur uske alave jo global dynamics bajar mein antarrashtriy bajar mein chalta hai us par aadharit hota hai. Toh main kahunga ki is baat pe hum logo ne kai dafa tippni ki hai us par aap apna dhyan laye.
[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Brahm, look — as far as the question of energy imports or their sourcing is concerned, you are well aware of our approach and what it is based on. It is grounded in our energy-security requirements and, additionally, in the global dynamics prevailing in international markets. So I would say we have commented on this issue many times; you may wish to refer to those statements.
Srinjoy Chowdhury, Times Now: Sir, in the past, we know about Pak institutional help to terrorist organizations. But just recently, a Pakistani minister in the Shahbaz Sharif government actually visited a Lashkar-e-Taiba institution. So, what are your comments on it? Is this a sort of crossing the Rubicon in some senses?
Jugal, BBC: Hi sir, I'm Jugal from the Collective News Room for the BBC. Sir, one clarification. Firstly, what is India's stand on President Trump's comments on whether Pakistan is continuing to test as we speak?
There is a recent interview by Sheikh Hasina in The Hindu where she says that some mistakes were made in the last days of her regime and her administration. What is India's take on the violence that has happened there, that was documented by the UN as well? Thank you.
Ajay Banerjee, The Tribune: Jaiswal Sir, Good evening, I am Ajay Banerjee with The Tribune. Sir, you have mentioned about your reaction to Donald Trump and his claim regarding Pakistan having tested nuclear weapons or conducted nuclear blasts. Sir, are we independently aware of Pakistan having tested any such weapon?
Keshav Padmanabhan, ThePrint: Sir, thank you. Keshav Padmanabhan from ThePrint. My first question is, there are reports that the US has sent a draft resolution to the UN Security Council members of this Gaza International Force, the Stabilization Force. My particular question is, would India be ready or willing to participate in such a force in any capacity, if there is a UNSC mandate to it? Have you been briefed on this by the US or discussed this?
And the second question I have is, with regards to the Indians in Myanmar and these scam centres, yesterday there was a statement on a number of Indians being sent back home, and this has been happening throughout this year. So what are the steps that the Indian government is taking to prevent Indians from being lured to such scam centres in Myanmar? Thank you
Sahil Pandey, ANI: Sir, I am Sahil Pandey from ANI News Agency. My question is basically on the update of Indian nationals returning from Thailand. What are the numbers and what is the update on that, sir?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Srinjoy, first to your question regarding terrorism. We all know which country is the factory of terrorism, which country is the global epicenter of terrorism. I need not elaborate more for you to get an answer to your question.
Jugal, on the first part of the question, I have already answered. I said what we think of President Trump's comments regarding Pakistan's nuclear testing. On the comments made by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, I have no comments to offer.
Ajay, again on nuclear issue, I have said what I had to say in response to President Trump's comments.
Keshav, India has welcomed the Gaza peace plan. We hope that this peace plan will go forward and there will be lasting peace in the region. As far as International Stabilization Force is concerned, I don't have anything concrete to share with you. I shall come back.
On Myanmar, Sahil's question is related. 270 Indian nationals returned yesterday. They got back from Mae Sot in Thailand on two special aircrafts. When there was a crackdown in Myanmar in some of the scam centres, they came into Thailand. The Thai authorities thereafter undertook certain processes that were required on their side. After that, once we verified the documents of all these people, made sure that they are Indian nationals, they were flown to India yesterday. I understand that there are some more Indian nationals who are there right now in Thailand, and they will also be coming back in a few days' time to India. I shall keep you updated on the numbers, etc.
Specifically, Keshav, in the last two years, from this particular platform and several agencies of the Government of India have constantly put out this point and travel advisory to Indian nationals to stay away from these scam centers because the price that one has to pay is very high. People go there, they are met with violence, there are all sorts of exploitation that happens there. So, we once again urge all Indian nationals to stay away from the job offers that are made of such nature and also to verify people who are the recruiters, people, foreigners or agencies, whether Indian or outside, who offer these jobs because it comes with a lot of risks. So I would once again emphasize that our nationals should take note of our advisories and what we suggest for them.
Huma Siddiqui, StratNews Global: Sir I am Huma Siddiqui. There were reports that more and more Indians are joining the Russian army, though they have been... The last time you said that you were in conversation with the Russian government. So, have you identified who are these agents who are pushing these Indians towards the Russian army?
Madhurendra, News Nation: Sir, Madhurendra main News Nation se. Mera sawal President Trump ke bar bar hone wale is dawe ko lekar hai jismein Bharat aur Pakistan yuddha ke douran jo vimaan gire hain unki sankhya lagatar badhti ja rahi hai aur woh 8 tak pahunch chuki hai. Toh kis tarah se President Trump ke is bayan ko aap log le rahe hain? Kya is par koi jawab unko diya jana chahiye ya denge?
[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, Madhurendra here from News Nation. My question is regarding President Trump's repeated claim that the number of aircraft shot down during the India-Pakistan conflict is steadily increasing and has now reached eight. How do you view President Trump's statement? Should a response be given to him on this, and will one be provided?
Ileana, TASS News Agency: Good afternoon. Will the preparation for the Russia-India summit be on the agenda of the upcoming visit of Dr. Jaishankar to Moscow, which will take place, as I know, on 17th - 18th of November? Or will it be restricted only by the SCO agenda?
And is there any clarity on the date of the Russia - India summit? Thank you very much.
Manish Jha, TV9 Bharatvarsh: Sir, mein Manish Jah hoon TV9 Bharatvarsh se. Pichle dinon humne dekha ki America ne Minuteman three missile ka parikshan kiya jo ki nuclear weapon ko carry kar sakta hai. Russia ki taraf se bhi teen aise nuclear powered weapon ka test kiya gaya hai. Bharat jo ki khud bhi ek nuclear power country hai, woh is hathiyaron ki race ko kis tarah se dekhta hai? Especially jab President Trump keh rahe hain ki bahut sare country nuclear test kar rahe hain.
[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, I am Manish Jah from TV9 Bharatvarsh. In the past few days, we have seen that the United States tested the Minuteman III missile, which can carry a nuclear warhead. Russia has also conducted tests of three such nuclear-capable weapons. How does India, which is itself a nuclear-powered country, view this arms race? Especially when President Trump is stating that many countries are conducting nuclear tests.
Sanjeev Rathi, UNIVARTA: Sir, main Sanjeev Rathi, UNIVARTA se. Sir aapne bola ki hum Pakistan ki parmanu gatividhiyon ke bare mein antarrashtriya samuday ka dhyan akarshit karte rahe hain. Toh kya ab bhi Bharat ek bar phir is mudde ko kisi manch par uthayega?
[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, I am Sanjeev Rathi from UNIVARTA. You mentioned that we have been drawing the international community's attention to Pakistan's nuclear activities — so will India once again raise this issue on any forum?
Neeraj Kumar Dubey, Prabhasakshi: Sir, Namaskar. Main Neeraj Dubey, Prabhasakshi se. Sir America ke rashtrapati ka ek bayan aaya hai jismein unhone kaha hai ki South Africa ko G20 se bahar kiya jana chahiye. Bharat South Africa ki adhyakshata ko kaise dekhta hai. Trump ne ye bhi kaha ki woh nahi ja rahe hain. Kya Pradhan Mantri Narendra Modi jayenge G20 summit?
[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, Namaskar. I am Neeraj Dubey from Prabhasakshi. Sir, there has been a statement by the U.S. President in which he said that South Africa should be excluded from the G20. How does India view South Africa's presidency? Trump also mentioned that he will not be attending. Will Prime Minister Narendra Modi attend the G20 summit?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Huma, first to your question. In the last few months, yes, we have come to know, we have been informed of several Indian nationals who have been recruited in the Russian army. We have once again taken up the matter with the Russian authorities to have them released at the earliest, as also to put an end to this practice.
As per our understanding, there are 44 Indian nationals presently serving in the Russian army. We are in touch with the Russian side. We are also in touch with the families of these peoples, and giving them an update on the matter.
We once again take this opportunity to convey to all that one should stay away from offers being made to serve in the Russian army, because it is an offer that is fraught with danger to life and there is risk to life. Once again, we have said this so many times. In spite of our repeated reminders, people continue to enlist. Obviously, if somebody wants to do it, he or she, we cannot stop him. But we continue to press that you must be aware of the dangers that are there once you sign up for these jobs. I understand that in the past also, the law enforcement authorities in India have taken action against people, and they continue to pursue this matter, so that people are not tricked into joining such risky endeavors.
Haal hi ke dinon mein hum logon ko ye pata chala hai ki kuch bharatiy nagriko ko russian fauz mein bharti kiya gaya hai. Pata chalne ke baad hum logon ne is masle ko russian sarkar se yahan nai Delhi mein aur Moscow dono jagah uthaya hai. Ye kehte hue ki jaldi se jald unko riha karna chahiye, aur sath hi sath jo ye prakriya chal rahi hai hamare logon ko wahan ke fauj mein bharti karne ka usko band kiya jana chahiye.
Hum log kariban kariban hamare information jankari ke hisab se 44 bharatiya nagrik abhi rusi fauz mein hai aur hum log prayasrat hai ki woh wahan se jaldi riha karaye jaaye, aur hum log unke parivar jan se bhi sampark mein hain.Ek bar fir se mai kehna chahta hu is manch se ki russian sena mein bharti hone wali jo offer hai usse log dur rahe kyunki isse jaan ko khatra hai aur jaisa ki hum logon ne dekha hai ki kai sare log wahan fase hue hain aur unko nikalne ki guhar ki ja rahi hai aur hum log isme lage hue hain.
[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] In recent days we have learned that some Indian nationals have been recruited into the Russian armed forces. After this came to light, we raised the matter with the Russian government both here in New Delhi and in Moscow, urging that they be released at the earliest and that the ongoing process of enlisting our nationals into their armed forces be stopped.
According to our information, around 44 Indian nationals are currently in the Russian military, and we are making efforts to secure their early release. We are also in contact with their families. Let me reiterate from this platform that people should avoid any offers to join the Russian armed forces, because of the danger to lives. As we have seen, many people are stranded there and are appealing to be brought out, and we are actively engaged in those efforts.
Jahan tak Operation Sindoor ka sawal hai ... Operation Sindoor ke sath jitni bhi gatividhiyan hui hai usse aapko hum logon ne bhali bhati avgat karaya hai. Aur jitne agar aap hamare jo previous pehle ke jo statements hai aur pehle bhi hum press briefing hai, sari baaton ko hum logon ne spasht roop se rakha hai toh main kahunga ki us jo tippni aap dekh rahe hain woh thik hai lekin humne jo kaha hai Operation Sindoor ke bare pe us pe aap apna dhyan kendrit kare.
[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] As far as Operation Sindoor is concerned, we have already fully briefed you on all the activities associated with Operation Sindoor, and if you refer to our earlier statements and previous press briefings, we have set out everything clearly. So I would say the observation you are making is fine, but please focus your attention on what we have said about Operation Sindoor.
Ileana on both the visits, the summit that you refer to, as also the visit of External Affairs Minister, we will let you know as and when we have an update on both these proposals.
Manish, jahan tak parmanu masle ka sawal hai, hum log ki taraf se jo Bharat ka position, jo paksh hai usko public mein rakha gaya hai. Jo hamare permanent representative hai Geneva mein woh is baat ko wahan par conference on disarmament jo hai us pe is pe charcha hoti rahti hai aur wahan par hum logon ne Bharat ka paksh spasht roop se, saaf roop se isko rakha hai. Toh mai kahunga ki aap agar hamare us vaktavya ko dekhenge toh aapko spasht roop se pata chalega ki Bharat kya sochta hai in mamlon par.
[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Manish, regarding the nuclear issue, India's position has already been made public. Our Permanent Representative in Geneva raises this matter regularly at the Conference on Disarmament, and there we have presented India's stance clearly and unambiguously. So, if you look at our statements, you will clearly understand what India thinks on these matters.
Rathi ji jahan tak manch ki baat hai, main is manch se bol raha hu iska matlab mai baat ko utha raha hu, baat ko ujagar kar raha hu, logon tak pahuncha raha hu.
[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Mr. Rathi, as far as the forum is concerned, when I speak from this platform it means I am raising the issue, highlighting it, and bringing it to people's attention.
Neeraj dekhiye G20 ke hum sadasya hai. G20 ki meeting hone wali hai. Ab dusre aadmi kya sochte hain uske bare mein toh mai kahunga ki us dusre aadmi se puche ya us teesre aadmi se puche. Isme jahan tak Bharat ka sawal hai hum toh G20 ke member hai.
[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Neeraj, we are members of the G20, and the G20 meeting is going to take place. As for what others think about it, I would suggest you ask them directly. As far as India is concerned, we are a member of the G20.
Kallol Bhattacharjee, The Hindu: Kallol Bhattacharjee from The Hindu. In a story in The Hindu, Sheikh Hasina has mentioned that she is almost certain to get a death sentence from the International Crimes Tribunal in Dhaka. And if she really gets the death sentence from ICT in Dhaka, what is really the option that India has? Because do you think that would be a challenge for India as well?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Kallol, I have no comments to offer. I have just said on the interviews that she has made recently. So I will leave it there.
Thank you very much, ladies and gentlemen.
New Delhi
November 07, 2025
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