Transcript of Weekly Media Briefing by the Official Spokesperson (April 20, 2023)
India - Ministry of External Affairs
April 20, 2023
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: A very good afternoon to all of you. Welcome to this weekly media briefing. I have one announcement and then we will open the floor for questions. We would like to convey our deepest condolences to the Government and people of Yemen on the sad incident in Sana'a, in which more than 78 people lost their lives today. We hope and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured. This tragic incident comes at a time when there have been encouraging developments in the Yemen situation. In particular, we welcome the release of nearly 1000 prisoners by the parties to the conflict, which has taken place over the last few days. India hopes for an early establishment of peace, stability and security in Yemen. So that was the announcement that I had to make. I can see lots of hands going up. Let me start with you ma'am. Yeah, go ahead.
Pia: Hi. Pia from The Print. When asked about UN estimates that India's population is close to exceeding China's, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said, it's not about the size of the population, but the quality of the people. This is also being perceived as an insult to India. Does the MEA have any reaction on that?
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: What was the insult part? I didn't get that. It was perceived to be an insult? Okay, yeah. Yeah, go ahead.
Abhishek: Sir, Abhishek Jha from CNN News 18. My question is regarding Sudan. If you could give us some information regarding how many Indians are in Sudan and how many of them have actually reached to MEA missions or missions for the...
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: I think there'll be a lot of interest in Sudan. So why don't I take the questions on Sudan together. Who all have questions on Sudan? Okay. Pranay, we start with you.
Pranaya Upadhayay: Pranay Upadhayay ABP News se. Sir, kal reports aayi thi ki Indian Embassy ke upar bhi attack hua hai waha par, to kya situation hai? Dusri cheez ye hai ki evacuation ke liye kisi plan ko workout kiya ja raha hai kya, uska kya update hai?
(Question in Hindi: Approximate translation) Pranay Upadhayay from ABP News. Sir, it was reported yesterday that Indian Embassy was also attacked there, so what is the situation there? Secondly, is there any evacuation plan being worked out, and what's the update on that?
Siddhant: Hi, Siddhant from CNN News 18. Sir, when Antony Blinken spoke to the two leaders of Sudan, there was a discussion regarding the ceasefire, daily, a time should be given for a ceasefire everyday sir. So is India really looking for that ceasefire time both leaders accept, and during that process maybe the evacuation can be carried out?
Srinjoy: Times Now, Srinjoy. Sir what are the reports coming from Khartoum from the Indian Embassy, because over these last 48 hours there seems to be a bit of a silence. And is there fighting going on just outside the Indian Embassy?
Meghna Dev: Sir, Meghna Dev from DD News. The control room also has been established here at MEA. How many calls have been received? What are the kind of assistance is the Indian community there seeking or the Indians stranded in....
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Sorry, the second part you were saying? How many calls and?
Meghna Dev: How many calls and what kind of assistance are they seeking, because it is....there are reports that many people are short of supplies, many people want to be evacuated and more.
Manas: Manas from PTI. During External Affairs Minister's telephonic conversation with Saudi Foreign Minister and Foreign Minister of UAE to have assured support on the ground. So what kind of support we are looking at from UAE and Saudi Arabia in Sudan?
Umashankar Singh: Umashankar NDTV India se. Sudan me kitne Bhartiya hai koi aadhikarik uska data ho to, aur kitno ne vapas aane ki mansha jatai hai? Jaise ke aap vaha WhatsApp group baki zariye se Bhartiya samuday ke touch me hai, to uske aadhar pe agar bata paaye ke kitne Bhartiya vapas lautna chahte hai?
(Question in Hindi: Approximate translation) Umashankar from NDTV India. How many Indians are there in Sudan, if there is any official data on that? And how many have expressed desire to come back? Also, as you are in touch with the Indian community there via WhatsApp etc, so based on that if you can tell how many Indians wish to come back?
Akhilesh Suman: Sir, Akhilesh Suman from Sansad TV. Are we sending our own any....either officials or any aircraft to take back Indians who are in Sudan?
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Sorry, officials or aircraft?
Akhilesh Suman: Either any officials are being sent to Sudan to coordinate the evacuation process or any aircraft to take Indians back.
Reza: Reza from the Hindustan Times. One of the things that a lot of relatives of the people stuck in Khartoum are saying is that Indians are in separate hotels in different places where food is running out and there's no electricity. Is there any kind of move to get them into one particular place or to reach out to the hotels to help them out?
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: I think this broadly covers a lot of things. If there are further questions, I am happy to answer. Look I think, this is an issue that we've been keeping a very close watch on the evolving situation there. It has happened over the last, I would say, the conflict is....over the last four, five days. The fighting has broken out....I think last Friday it was. I think 14th it started. Our mission in Khartoum has been in contact with the Indian community there, as you mentioned yourself....I think one of you, through multiple channels, informal, formal. Our embassy has issued several advisories, which you would have seen. In New Delhi, as some of you mentioned, we have set up a 24x7 dedicated control room for providing information and assistance, and the coordinates of the control room have been shared publically.
We are engaged with countries in the region and other countries that have a key role to play, particularly US, UK, Saudi Arabia and UAE. As you already know, External Affairs Minister spoke to his counterparts from Saudi Arabia and UAE. He has today spoken to his Egyptian counterpart. Our Ambassador in Washington, DC and our High Commission in London, are in touch with the respective host governments. We are also working with the various UN bodies that are present there. As you know, UN has a significant presence in the ground. External Affairs Minister is currently in New York and he is likely to meet UN Secretary General later today to discuss the developments in Sudan.
In terms of the situation on the ground, as you are aware, there has been an unfortunate death of an Indian national. His body is currently at a hospital. Finally, after a lot of effort, we've been able to get that body moved from him apartment complex into a mortuary in a hospital, and we're seeing how to get that body either back or with family evacuated....we'll see. Our embassy is in touch with the family of the deceased, as well as the medical authorities there.
Just to give you a sense, look, the situation on the ground continues to be quite tense. It remains very tense, which renders any movement very risky. So currently, our focus is on ensuring the safety and well-being of the individuals wherever they are located. I'll come to some of the questions that you specifically asked, but largely, we're monitoring it, we're in touch with the people. Let me emphasize that, look, we understand the difficulties people are facing. The situation on the ground, as I mentioned, is changing. It's quite fluid. There are incidents happening at various locations and we are advising the community members, who are reaching out. In fact, there are mechanism, they've signed up to a form where they're giving all the details. So we have some sense of how many people are there, but again, the power is patchy, internet connectivity is patchy. So we're not sure yet how many finally will be there.
Let me try to answer some of the specific questions that have been asked. Look, on the number of people, I think Abhishek you had asked, and I think Umashankar you as well. Look, as External Affairs Minister said, we don't want to get in the details of how many and what locations, for security reasons. Right now that is something that would affect, we feel....the security and safety of those people. I wanted to assure you that we are actually in touch with them. We are calling them. I see a lot of social media posts saying, oh, this group has not been contacted or certain person from this tribe or some.....I assure you they've been contacted. Even as we came in, we had outreached, we're trying to reach out in their local languages, trying to reassure them that it is perhaps best that they stay where they are or somewhere close by, because movement on the streets currently is unsafe. So that would be my response in terms of how many there.
Jaisa ke maine kaha, kitne log hai, kaha hai, ye abhi ham aapke sath nahi share kar pa rahe hai security reasons ke liye, par ham sabse sampark me hai.
(Answered in Hindi: Approximate translation) Like I said, how many people are there and their locations, we cannot share with you those details due to security reasons, but we are in touch with everyone.
There was a question regarding what kind of.....I think Manas you asked....UAE, Saudi Arabia....I mentioned that. Look, I think almost all countries and their citizens are having the same difficulty. The airport is non-operational. There is intense fighting going around in the various parts of the country, and in the city, particularly in Khartoum. And I think various countries are looking at options how to get their citizens out, how to get their diplomatic personnel out, and we are obviously in close contact with them, whether through capitals, through their embassies in Khartoum as well as in New Delhi.
The support is not specific. It depends. Some countries have some influence and information. Other countries perhaps could guide us in what measures they're taking; perhaps we can pool resources. At this point, it's a bit premature but we are in touch. Certainly, as I mentioned, UAE and Saudi Arabia are on top of that list.
Meghna, you asked about the control room. Look, most of the calls or the contact is actually happening in Khartoum. However, there are people who are contacting here. So I wouldn't know the exact number, but at least a hundred plus calls would have taken place in less than 24 hours, or a little more than 24 hours, that this is operational, but I have to check the exact numbers. Many of them asking for their relatives etcetera, where they are and what should they do. We are asking them if there is somebody who hasn't contacted our embassy, and let me reiterate that to people who may be watching this broadcast. If you are in Khartoum or you know of people in Sudan who have not yet reached out to the embassy, please do contact our control room or the numbers of the embassy, so that you can be put on the list, so that we know where you are and how we can render assistance to you.
You had specific questions regarding.....Srinjoy, you had asked about outside the Indian Embassy. Look, the Indian Embassy actually is located just opposite the airport, and that zone has seen a lot of fighting. There has been some shelling, etcetera. So I wouldn't be able to specifically comment on whether it has happened specifically outside the embassy, but yes, there are reports that in that zone, where there are many embassies, there are attacks going on. There have been certainly gunfire and fights on the street.
I don't understand what you said.....there have been silence in terms of reports from Khartoum. We certainly are trying to be in contact. The focus currently is on contacting the stranded people and affected people, and of course, today's briefing is part of sharing what we know and what our next steps are.
I think Siddhant you had asked about ceasefire. Look, yes, of course, if the situation on the ground improves and there is a pause in the fighting or there's some formal ceasefire, we will certainly take advantage of that. Primarily to first, I think, to get people together in safe areas, provide food stuff, provide water, those kind of things. But for the moment, it is a pretty tense situation where there has not been too much of a respite from the fighting, although the intensity has been going up and down from time to time. I'll come back to a follow-up on that.
Pranay, your question was regarding the attack on embassy.
Pranay Upadhayay: Attack on embassy and evacuation plans.
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Ha attack hamari embassy pe... dekhiye embassy jis jagah pe hai, me keh raha tha, airport ke pas, usme kafi waha local fighting chal rahi hai, to usme ham confirm nahi kar sakte ke embassy me exactly... abhi embassy me koi hai nai, par hamare jo dutavas ke log hai baki jagah se operate kar rahe hai. Aur vo log sabse contact kar rahe hai. To embassy pe attack hui ya nahi, mujhe abhi nahi malum. Par situation jaise hi improve karega, hume pata chalega, jab hum ja payenge us area pe. Par embassy ke sare jo personnel hai vo kam kar rahe hai ispe.
Evacuation ke plans depend karenge, situation on the ground pe. Ham chahenge ke vo safe rahe. Hum ideally chahenge ke ye fighting band ho jaye, taki aise occasion na aaye ke hume nikalna pade. Par agar hume nikalna pade, Indians ko, to uske liye hamare pas hamesha contingency plans rehte hai, aur is situation me bhi kuch plans ban rahe hai, readiness pe hai, par vo depend karega ke airport kaunsa operational hai ya road se kuchh kar sake. Ye abhi premature hoga kehna, vo security situation pe depend karega.
(Answered in Hindi: Approximate translation) Regarding attack on our embassy, look, like I said, our embassy is located near airport, and a lot of local fighting is taking place in that area, so we cannot confirm exactly on that. There is no one in embassy at this time. But our embassy personnel are operating remotely from different places. They're trying to contact everyone. So whether there was an attack on the embassy or not, I don't know. Once the situation improves, and we are able to get to that area, we will be able to provide information on that. Our embassy personnel are working on it.
Evaluation plans will depend on the situation on the ground. We want everyone to be safe. Ideally, we'd want this fighting to be over and an occasion would not arise for evacuation. But if we have to evacuate Indians from there, then we always have contingency plans for that, and in this situation as well, we have some plans which are on readiness. It all depends that which airport is operational or if we can use the roads. All of that is premature to say at this time and would depend on security situation.
Akhilesh, you had asked about plans for sending officials and aircraft. Look, again, as I was mentioning to Pranay. That will all depend on the situation on the ground. I want to assure you that we are in readiness, of taking multiple options. There are contingency plans. We are in close touch with our teams on the ground, but it all depends on how long there is a pause in the fighting or a ceasefire; where it is happening, what is available in terms of locations where we can safely take people away.
I think that was related to Reza. You had asked a question regarding food and electricity, etcetera. Yes, there are issues of electricity. Parts of the city we understand have not had power for intermittently or for few days. Food, I understand, there is food, but look, street movement is difficult, and shops aren't open, so that makes it much more difficult. We are trying to counsel, our embassy is trying to counsel, groups or Indians, how they can assist or they can find ways to get over this period. I wouldn't be able to share with you specific detail. That will depend on whether exactly they're located and what are the local facilities available.
I think you had another question largely on Khartoum or that I missed.
Speaker1: (Inaudible)
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: No. Yes, they are in different parts. Either they are in hotels, some of them are in housing. Remember, this happened very quickly, and I don't think people were able to find other options. But yes, we are in touch with them. Everybody is safe and sound. I wanted to emphasize that, look, our embassy has been really pushing in terms of trying to track down every Indian, who is there, who is registered, trying to build a database of information, trying to counsel them, trying to tell them what are the... how it is to or what should they do in terms of remaining safe. Our advice, let me reiterate again, is that at this point, they need to be where they are and seek shelter where they are rather than trying to go somewhere else, till the situation improves. This is something, obviously an evolving situation. We are monitoring it very closely, and we will certainly not only be sharing with you, of course, information, but on a more real-time sharing that with the people who are in touch with the Embassy, of what happens...developments there. Let's hope for the best that situation improves. Again, if any Indian national is not in touch with our embassy team and requires assistance, they are requested to contact our embassy or the control room in New Delhi. Hopefully, our situation, we will see better situation in the next few days, but as of now, the situation remains tense.
Is there anything related? Any follow-up to Sudan?
Siddhant: Sir, the clarification is regarding, I heard you said that EAM is in New York to discuss the situation in Sudan, regarding that.
Reza: Just a quick clarification. Reza from Hindustan Times. Did you say that the Embassy is closed right now and that officials are...
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: I understand. I will tell you. Maybe I should rephrase that. Look, it was a weekend. I mean Friday I think, when the fighting started. So the Embassy premises, nobody is living inside them. Obviously, the Embassy is functioning. Embassy personnel are there. They're rendering all possible assistance that they can. But as we have told other people also, do not go physically to the Embassy premises, which is in a very high fighting zone, intense fighting, near the airport. So please contact the Embassy otherwise, and they will be guided on what needs to be done. The Embassy itself is open and functioning and providing all assistance, but the Embassy premises themselves are in a high intensive zone where we think it is not safe right now.
Speaker2: The staff is not...
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: No, this Embassy is not... people don't live there. This is not that kind of Embassy complex. It's a building. People live in their own homes and nobody is inside the Embassy building or the Chancery building right now or generally.
Your question was regarding EAM. As you know, we announced that External Affairs Minister is on a visit to Latin America. On route, he has stopped in New York, and he will be meeting....he is holding discussion, and today he will be meeting the UN Secretary General, Thursday New York time. And we'll let you know updates on what happens after that. Okay, next round of questions. Yeah, Yeshi you had asked.
Yeshi Seli: Yeshi Seli from the New Indian Express. There was a section of the media which said that, talked about charges that have been leveled against these eight naval officers in Doha, and I'd like MEA's response.
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: On what will you like MEA's response, on the report?
Yeshi Seli: Yeah, on the report. And also, when is the new Ambassador going to assume charge in Doha?
Kavita Joshi: Sir, Kavita hoon Haribhoomi Newspaper se. Sir, mera saval ye hai ke abhi jo Goa me External Affairs Ministers ka SCO jo meet hone wala hai, usme Pakistan ke Videsh Mantri bhi bhag le rahe hai, to unki taraf se kya koi confirmation MEA ke pass aa gaya hai, official confirmation. Aur agar meeting me vo participate karte hai, Pakistan ke Foreign Minister, to unki hamare Videsh Mantri ke sath kya koi bilateral meeting bhi sideline me ho sakti hai.
(Question in Hindi: Approximate translation) Sir, I am Kavita from Haribhoomi Newspaper. Sir, my question is regarding the upcoming SCO meeting of External Affairs Ministers in Goa. Pakistan's Foreign Minister is also expected to participate in the meeting. Has the MEA received any official confirmation from them regarding their participation? And if the Pakistani Foreign Minister participates in the meeting, is there a possibility of his bilateral meeting with our External Affairs Minister on the sidelines?
Neeraj: Sir, Neeraj News 18 se. Kya Pakistan ki taraf se koi request aaya hai bilateral meeting ke liye, waha ke Videsh Mantri aa rahe hai Goa me SCO ki baithak me.
(Question in Hindi: Approximate translation) Sir, this is Neeraj from News 18. Has there been any request from Pakistan for a bilateral meeting, as their Foreign Minister is coming to Goa for the SCO meeting?
Maha Siddiqui: Maha Siddiqui from NDTV. Has there been any confirmation of the Chinese Foreign Minister attending the SCO Foreign Ministers' meeting?
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Okay. Let me come back to this. I have a few questions already now. Look, on the SCO Foreign Ministers' meeting, let me start with that. As we have been saying, we have been inviting all SCO member states and some invitee countries, of course, for events under our presidency that is underway. Specifically, for the SCO Foreign Ministers' Meeting that is scheduled to take place in Goa on May 4th and 5th; we have extended or we had extended similar invitations to all SCO member states and we look forward to a successful meeting. It would not be really appropriate to focus on participation by any one particular country, so I would leave it at that.
Apne pucha tha Hindi me. Main apko wahi kehena chahunga ki dekhiye, SCO presidency ke tahet humne saare SCO member states ko invitations diya tha, nyota diya tha, iske aane ke liye. Aur Goa me meeting hai, SCO foreign ministers meeting 4 se 5 May. Aur hum apesksha karte hai ki ye meeting bahut successful rahegi. Par kisi ek desh ki bhagidari pe dhyan dena itna uchit nahi hoga.
(Answered in Hindi: Approximate translation) You had asked in Hindi. I would like to tell you the same thing that, we had invited all SCO member states to attend, under our SCO presidency. And the meeting of SCO Foreign Ministers is in Goa from the 4th to 5th of May. We expect this meeting to be very successful. But it would not be appropriate to focus on the participation of any one country.
Regarding requests for bilateral meetings....Look, I think it's premature. Let's see the full participation. Usually External Affairs Minister does meet, does try to hold as many bilateral meetings as he can on the margins of such kind of multilateral meetings. You saw that on the occasion of the G20 Foreign Ministers' meeting. But till such time as they are locked in, I don't think it would be correct for me to comment on that.
Yeshi your question was regarding the detainees in Qatar. Look on that one, as I have been mentioning, and we've been discussing this. The first hearing of the case was on 29th March. Next hearing is coming up on the May 3rd. As far as I'm aware, the charges have not been shared so far or conveyed so far. Our Embassy has been facilitating regular visits of the family members. And of course, let me reiterate, we attach a very high priority to the case. And we are working to ensure the release and repatriation of our nationals. I don't have any particular comment on speculative media reports.
Maha I think your question has got answered in that. Priya, your question was on the population. I wasn't really sure what you wanted me to comment on. Let me just say that this was the UN Population Fund report. We are aware of that report, which has recently come out. But if you're asking for specifically about the population count and other elements, I would have to refer you to the relevant agencies. To be honest, I didn't realize there's a competition or you know.....on this issue or there is any degree of competition in population between two countries. I can't comment in what context the Chinese spokesperson was asked this question. I haven't seen the question so far. I don't have really any specific comment on this UN Population Fund report.
Next round of questions. Yeah. No, let me start with Sidhant.
Sidhant: We saw the meeting, the India-Central Asia Chabahar meeting last week in Mumbai. We signed a pact with a UN body for transfer of wheat to Afghanistan. If you can give details as to when the wheat will start....will be sent to Afghanistan; because the pact was announced in March I believe. It's been almost two months. So any details on that?
Shashank Mattoo: Shashank Mattoo from the Mint. Sir following on from a question last week, the External Affairs Minister came back from Mozambique. My question was....energy security partner conversation very specifically...
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: You had a specific query last time. I remember.
Shashank Mattoo: Yes. Exactly.
Shailendra Wangu: Sir Shailendra Wangu, Network 18 se. Apne September me bola tha ki Anmol Bishnoi ko Kenya me detain kiya gaya hai. Lekin ek taza video samne aaya hai -
(Question in Hindi: Approximate translation) Sir, Shailendra Wangu, from Network 18. You had said in September that Anmol Bishnoi was detained in Kenya. But a fresh video has surfaced --
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Maine kaha tha?
(Question in Hindi: Approximate translation) I had said?
Shailendra Wangu: Ji. Do countries ka tha Azerbaijan.
(Question in Hindi: Approximate translation) Yes, this was regarding two countries, Azerbaijan...
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Ha. Ha. Bilkul.
(Answered in Hindi: Approximate translation) Yes, yes, indeed.
Shailendra Wangu: Anmol Bishnoi Kenya me detain kiya gaya tha. Apne kaha tha hum baatchit kar rahe hai unke saath me. Lekin ek taza video jo samne aaya hai waha par Anmol Bishnoi Punjabi singers ke saath California me nazar aata hai. To ye kuch jo....Sidhu Moosewala ki family ko ye bahut hurt kiya hai iss baat ko ki wo pahucha kaise, pahela sawal ye. Dusara ye juda huwa sawal hai, Amritpal wale case me unki patni ko aaj roka gaya London jaane se. Kya unke khilaf koi LOC jari kiya gaya hai?
(Question in Hindi: Approximate translation) Anmol Bishnoi was detained in Kenya. You had mentioned that you were in touch with them. But in the latest video, Anmol Bishnoi appears with Punjabi singers in California. This has hurt the family of Sidhu Moosewala a lot, as to how he reached there, that was the first question. The second question is related to Amritpal's case, as his wife was stopped from traveling to London today. Has any LOC been issued against her?
Sudhi Ranjan: Sudhi Ranjan from Bloomberg. Any update that you could give us on the meeting of the Deputy Minister, Deputy Prime Minister from Russia and External Affairs Minister? Was an insurance arrangement discussed, investments, you know, protect each other's investment. There's some kind of a protocol being talked about, if you could give us...
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Protect?
Sudhi Ranjan: Yeah. That's what we heard. If you could give us more information.
Huma Siddiqui: Huma Siddiqui from the Financial Express. You said that you have already issued a press release on EAM going to South America and Central. So I just wanted to know, will the energy security be one of the major issues between, when he goes to Colombia and to Guyana? Number one. Number two, there was a trade talks going on between India and SICA countries. If there's any update on that?
Siddhant: Sir Siddhant from CNN News 18. Sir my question is related to the fresh Henry Jackson report, which talks about the growing anti-Hindu sentiment in British schools? So is India going to take up this issue with Britain? And what is the official position of the Government of India?
Kallol: Kallol from The Hindu. My question is regarding the Indians held in Qatar and reports today suggest that they have been accused of spying for Israel?
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: I just answered this question.
Kallol: No, but I don't think that was raised. So I would like to know what's your response to the specific mention of Israel in this regard.
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Okay. Let me try to answer this. I'll come back and I'll have a quick last round. Okay, Sidhant on your question; look, yes, as you know, we have been trying and we have been sending wheat to Afghanistan. I think, we have sent about 40,000 tonnes. This was a promise of another 10,000 tonnes of wheat there. I don't have a time frame yet in my mind, in the sense that we always wanted it to be sent at the earliest. But there are procedural issues, as you saw in the past when we sent 40,000 also. So as soon as I have an update in terms of when wheat could be sent, we'll share it with you. For the moment we are trying to work out the logistics of doing it. But it certainly is an indication of our interest in assisting, humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan.
Shashank you mentioned the question of energy security, particularly, you had a project that was there. Look the visit has taken place. We have put out what we are in a position to put out. I'm afraid I don't have anything further to share on that. But if I do I will certainly come back to you.
Shailendra ji apka prasna tha Anmol Bisnoi ka. Humne bhi wo video dekha tha. Story....I don't know video sach hai ya nahi hai. Dekhiye mera jo statement tha us samay ka, wo us samay ka tha; us samay detain kiya gaya tha. Uske baad exact update uske saath kya tha, wo hirasat me the ya nahi the, hum check karenge. But mere pas abhi koi update nahi hai uske baare me but September me wo detained the us samay. Uske baad kya huwa 6 mahine me, hum uske baare me check kar rahe hai.
(Answered in Hindi: Approximate translation) Shailendra, your question was about Anmol Bisnoi. We have also seen that video. I don't know if the video is genuine or not. See, my statement at that time was about the situation at that time, when he was detained. We will check, what was the exact update on him, whether he was in custody or not. But I have no update on him right now, but in September he was detained. We are checking as to what happened in the past six months.
Amritpal Singh ki wife ke baare me koi LOC, but ye foreign policy issue nahi hai, wo hamare mantralaya ka nahi hai. main kuch keh nahi paunga ispe.
(Answered in Hindi: Approximate translation) About any LOC against Amritpal Singh's wife, it is not a foreign policy issue, it is not related to our Ministry. I cannot say anything about it.
Sudhi you had mentioned about the visit of....the recent visit of the Deputy Prime Minister of..... look, I don't know what I can add to that. You would recall that during the visit, both ministers, i.e. External Affairs Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Manturov, addressed delegation of business leaders of both countries. They also had talks on issues of market access, trade imbalance....I think, non-tariff barriers, logistics, payment mechanisms, etc. were discussed. I don't specifically recall whether insurance was covered or certainly protection of investments. Certainly promotion of investments and mechanisms is an element of that. EAM had referred to all this and he had a long statement that he delivered to the business community, we have made that public. To be honest, I don't have anything further to add to that specific query of yours.
Huma, I'm hesitant to prejudge what EAM will do. But yes, energy security is an important element, certainly in the context of Guyana, you heard.... and perhaps even in Colombia, but whether it will be discussed and in what form it will be discussed, let's await the visit. Let it get completed. Yes, similarly, there is, as we have mentioned, in our press release, there is something about trade talks, or at least a conversation with SICA leadership there. And there is interest on both sides to deepen trade and investment ties with the region. EAM, of course, is not the Minister for trade negotiations. But yes, I think modalities of how we can bring our two countries together in terms of trade and investment would be on the agenda. But again, I would be very hesitant to prejudge the conversations.
I think Kallol you asked about the same thing. As I said, I'm not going to comment on speculative media reports. I have put across our position very clearly on how we see the, you know, the developments there and the legal process that is underway and we are following it. And this is the priority for us and we will continue to extend all assistance we can, both consular and legal, as well as with the families directly that we are in touch with.
I think Siddhant, your question was with a recent school report or something right. I saw something on that. Let me say that we have seen media reports in this regard, of a study conducted by a UK think tank. I'm not aware of any specific complaint by any Indian national, to our High Commission. And let me reiterate and emphasize that India has always stood against discrimination in any form. So that's what I had to say on this.
There are a few more questions, couple of people had questions.
Sandeep Dikshit: I am Sandeep Dikshit from the Tribune. And this is a counselor question. A lot of Indians are facing VISA delays, especially when traveling to Central and East European countries. So and as India's per capita income grows, more people want to go out and this is becoming a big problem. So would you be taking some reciprocal measures?
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: No. What was the question?
Sandeep Dikshit: That people are facing inordinate delays in getting VISAs especially to Central and East European countries. So, now as per capita income rises, more people are traveling out. So the static amount of the strength they have, this is in the embassies, this is giving rise to more delays. So would you be in some kind of a dialogue with them to ease this VISA problem, which is becoming very endemic. And second, people are also talking about VFS which has monopoly powers, and is in fact, people say that it's a foreign company now. So is a monopoly of VFS acceptable?
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Sorry the last word, monopoly viz a viz what?
Sandeep Dikshit: VFS.
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: No....Foreign company? No I didn't understand your second question at all. Could you repeat that part?
Sandeep Dikshit: Yeah. There is this company called VFS, which collects all the VISAs, VISA applications on behalf of the countries.
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Foreign countries, right?
Sandeep Dikshit: Yes.
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: We didn't hire them. Okay, I try to answer. I get your question. Okay. Sorry. I get your question now. Okay. Any other last question? Quickly.
Rajesh Mishra: Thank you. Rajesh Mishra from Kanpur Media, Nepal. Sir when is the Prime Minister of Nepal visiting India? Is there any expected date under discussion? And the second question...And the second, President of Nepal is admitted in AIIMS Hospital. Please share if you have any updates about that?
Neeraj: Sir Neeraj News 18 India se. Pakistan me alpsankhyak samudaye ke patrakar, Hindu samudaye ke patrakar ko agwa huwe dus din se adhik ka waqt bit chuka hain. Koi concern Bharat ne jahir kiya hain Pakistan ke samne?
(Question in Hindi: Approximate translation) Sir Neeraj from News 18 India. A journalist from the minority community, Hindu community in Pakistan has been abducted for more than ten days now. Has India expressed any concern to Pakistan regarding this matter?
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Okay. Right. Thank you. Look, Sandeep. I am not sure in what way we can respond to this. Let me first and foremost emphasize that VISA issuance is the discretion of that Government and it's a sovereign decision. So, process of VISA and VISA issuance is their decision to be very, very honest; the same way as issuance of Indian visas is our prerogative. Nevertheless, I think there is understanding that for better relations and smoother movement of people, that benefits both sides, easier VISA regimes help both countries. And it is in this context that we have been taking up, from time to time with various countries or groups of countries, the need for easier VISA regime or a smoother VISA regime or predictable VISA regime, particularly for students and others. I'm not particularly aware of the delays in, whether Central or East Europe in particular. So I'm not going to comment on that. But yes, we would hope that Indian citizens who apply for this, find easy and smooth mechanism to apply and a predictable timeframe. I wouldn't know, what is endemic or not. I know some countries have told us that they had difficulties due to COVID and backlog and other shortages. But I think they have also publicly said that they are taking steps to improve the situation and make VISA issuance period or VISA waiting period less and in some cases, we have actually seen changes over the last few months. As regards your query on VFS, look, the countries, foreign countries do or foreign embassies do employ outsourcing agencies and I think, VFS is one of them to handle their VISA issues. If you have any complaint with that, then you'd have to take it up with that concerned embassy or the country. This is not something that Government of India is involved in, unless there is something that specifically you want me to comment.
Rajesh ji, you had asked about two specific issues regarding Nepal. Let me take the first one, the second one first. His Excellency Mr. Ram Chandra Poudel, the President of Nepal, is currently receiving medical care in a hospital in New Delhi. We wish him a speedy recovery. Due to reasons of privacy I would not be able to share any further information on this. I would request you to contact perhaps the Nepalese authorities or the family members. As regards the visit of Prime Minister of Nepal of course, we would welcome such a visit. But as you know, we would announce such visit, as and when we are ready to do so and we have a specific date to share with you. Please bear with us. As I've always been saying we'll do it at the appropriate time. I don't have a crystal ball.
Neeraj apka prashna....prashna tha, I think ek case tha jisme Pakistan me ek journalist missing hai kuch dino se. wahi wali case ki puch rahe hai aap? Dekhiye iske baare me humne pahele bhi kuch kaha tha ki jis taraha se alpsankhyako ko treat kiya jata hai Pakistan me ye sab ko malum hai, well documented hai. Aur patrakar aur civil society activists ke enforced disappearance ki samsya bhi waha well known hai. Main ye kehena chahunga ki Pakistan ke alpsankhyak samudaye ke lagatar nishana banaye jane se hum Pakistani sarkar ke saath apni gambhir chinta darj karna jari rakhenge. Hum concerned authorities...Pakistan ke concerned authorities se mamle ke gambhirta se janch karne aur jimmedar logo ke khilaf kadi karwahi karne ki mang karte hai.
(Answered in Hindi: Approximate translation) Neeraj, your question was about a case where a journalist has been missing in Pakistan for several days. You were asking about that particular case? We have mentioned earlier too, that the way minority people are treated in Pakistan, is known to everyone and is well-documented. The problem of enforced disappearance of journalists and civil society activists there, is also well-known. I would like to say that we will continue to express our serious concern with the Pakistani Government over the continuous targeting of minority communities. We demand from the concerned authorities of Pakistan a thorough investigation into the matter and action against those responsible.
I think I will stop that. Thank you very much. Good afternoon.
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
