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Transcript of Weekly Media Briefing by the Official Spokesperson (October 05, 2023)

India - Ministry of External Affairs

October 05, 2023

Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Very good afternoon to all of you. Thank you for joining us for this weekly presser. I don't have any immediate announcement. I'll take questions. I'll start with you, Ma'am.

Vineeta Pandey: Good evening, Arindam. This is Vineeta Pandey from the Asian Age Deccan Chronicle. My question is on Canada. We heard the Foreign Minister say that, you know, they're engaging with India through private channels on the expulsion of the diplomats. Is there any update that you would like to give us on that?

Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Foreign Minister of Canada's comments?

Vineeta Pandey: Yes.

Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Update on?

Vineeta Pandey: She said that, you know, she is talking to India, you know, that she is engaging India in private conversation with regard to repatriation of the diplomats. So any development on that?

Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: What's your query?

Vineeta Pandey: The question is that, has the talk begun? Has she met, her team met the Indian side on, you know, removing the 41 diplomats that are extra here?

Ayushi Agarwal: Sir, Ayushi Agarwal from ANI. Sir, my question is regarding the closure of the Afghan Embassy in New Delhi. They recently put out a statement where they said there was a lack of support from the host Government of India. So your comment on that, also, what would be the fallout of this on the Afghans living in India, especially the students?

John Reed: John Reed from the FT. Is it true, as we've been told, that India has given Canada a deadline of October 10th to repatriate about 41 of its diplomats? And if they were to stay beyond that date, what would India do? Would they become persona non grata? And have you also identified who these people should be and told Canada who they should send back? Thank you.

Sidhant: Sir, Sidhant from WION. Sir, what's India's view or reaction when it comes to the change of guard in Maldives? We know that the elections happened and someone who's, of course, an opposition candidate won the elections.

Yeshi Seli: So this is Yeshi Seli from the New Indian Express. A week...10 days back, the U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan had gone to Balochistan. And Eric Garcetti, when we questioned him, said that if we can go to Kashmir for G20, I see no harm in his going to Balochistan. Any comments on that?

Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Which part? The comment or the actual visit? Both?

Yeshi Seli: Gilgit-Baltistan. I'm sorry. I stand corrected. So any comments?

Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Comment on what? Comment on visit or comment on the comment?

Yeshi Seli: No. Comment on what Ambassador Garcetti said that, it doesn't matter and if they can go there, they can come here. India generally does oppose, you know, dignitaries and diplomats.....

Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: It's okay. I'll try to answer your question.

Okay. Let me start. Maybe actually, why don't I start Yeshi with your query on the comment or the visit. Let me answer both. Look, I think our position on the status of the entire Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, that being an integral part of India, is well known. We would urge the international community to respect our sovereignty and territorial integrity. We have raised our concerns about that visit; a visit by the Pakistani Ambassador, I mean the U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan; with the U.S. side. And as regards your comment also, I think Ambassador Garcetti's comment, we don't think the two situations are equivalent.

As regards the issue of Afghan Embassy, Ayushi...look, on that one, our understanding is that the Embassy in New Delhi is functioning or continuing to function. We are in touch with the Afghan diplomats who are there in that Embassy, as well as with the Afghan diplomats who are at the Consulates in Mumbai and Hyderabad. However, we received a communication last week purportedly from the Embassy, indicating that it intends to suspend operations at the end of September, I think it was. Of course, such a decision is an internal matter of a foreign Mission. However, we have noted that the Afghan Consulates General in Mumbai and in Hyderabad voiced their objection to that decision or to such a decision. We are also aware that there has been a prolonged absence of the Ambassador and that a large number of Afghan diplomats have left India in recent past. You asked about what would be the difficulties with the students. We would hope that a substantial or the substantial number of Afghan nationals in India, including students, are able to continue to receive necessary consular support. On our part, we will continue with our efforts to assist the people of Afghanistan, and I think that takes care of both your concerns that you mentioned.

Before I come to Canada, Sidhant, on the issue of Maldives...look, you would have seen the developments there. Prime Minister was the first leader to convey greetings and felicitations to the President-elect. Prime Minister conveyed and reaffirmed India's commitment to strengthen the time-tested India-Maldives bilateral relationship and enhancing overall cooperation in the Indian Ocean region. Subsequently yesterday, I think, our High Commissioner in Male also called on the President-elect. He had a good discussion on various aspects of our bilateral partnership, including development cooperation. Let me take the opportunity to congratulate the Maldivian people for once again demonstrating their faith in democratic governance and constitutional processes that reflect their firm commitment to the values of democracy and the rule of law.

John, your question as well as I think Vineeta's question on talks, basically on Canada. Look, you would recall last week we had a substantial, quite lengthy conversation on Canada. Insofar as discussions on parity, as we have mentioned earlier, given the much higher diplomatic presence of Canadian diplomats or diplomatic presence here of Canada and their continuing interference in our internal affairs, we had and we have sought parity in our respective diplomatic presence. Discussions are ongoing on the modalities of achieving this. Specific question by you, John, regarding dates, et cetera. Look, I would not like to get into the details of diplomatic conversations. As we mentioned, I think last week, given that Canadian diplomatic presence is very much higher, we would assume that there would be a reduction. I think that broadly covers those issues.

Shashank Mattoo: Shashank Mattoo with The Mint, just to follow up on Sidhant's question, the newly elected Maldivian... the Maldivian President-elect, mentioned his intention to ask Indian troops to leave the Maldives. Did our High Commissioner raise that concern with the newly elected President?

Pia: Hi, Pia with the Print. It has been made aware that the Consul Generals from the Afghan Consulates were in Delhi to meet the MEA earlier this week. Is there any plan to shift diplomats from Afghan Consulates to the Mission in Delhi, and will there be any replacement of the former Ambassador Farid Mamundzay? Thank you.

Madhurendra: Sir, Madhurendra hoon News Nation se. American report ke mutabik China jo hai wo deceptive methods ko use kar raha hai disinformation ke liye, Bharat mein bhi jis tarah ka nivesh samne aaya hai aur uske baad ED ke actions bhi dikhai de rahe hain. Kya aapka reaction hai? China ka antarashtiya media mai interference aur Bharat ke media mai bhi interference ko lekar?

[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Sir, I am Madhurendra from News Nation. According to the American report, China is using deceptive methods for disinformation. Also the type of investments in India, that have come to light followed by actions by the ED. What is your reaction to China's interference in international media and also in Indian media?

Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Okay. Any specific aap kuch kehna chahte hain ya generally?

[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Anything specific you want to ask or is it generally?

Madhurendra: Sawal American reports par hain jo kehta hain ki deceptive methods ka istemal China kar raha hai, manipulate karne ke liye antarashtiya media ko.

[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] The question is about American reports that suggest China is using deceptive methods to manipulate international media.

Kallol: Kallol from the Hindu. Taking that question forward, there is this American entrepreneur Neville Singham who has hit the headlines for his support to various media initiatives. Do you think the Indian government would take it up with the U.S. counterpart on the issue of Neville Singam's media initiatives that are related to India, including the latest Newsclick issue?

Geeta Mohan: Geeta Mohan with India Today. This is regarding Khalistanis not in Canada but in the United States of America and London. You have Paramjeet Singh Pamma who took part in the protests outside the Indian High Commission. He is a wanted criminal in the NIA list... a wanted terrorist, not a criminal. And on the other hand, U.S. State Department, when asked about seeks for justice, said that they have a right to protest. It is enshrined in the Constitution of America. Your comments on Khalistanis being given space in U.S. and in the U.K.?

Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Okay, let me take this round and I'll come back to another one.

Okay, Shashank, your query on Maldives, I mean, you specifically talk about cooperation, security sector. Look, all I would say is, I don't want to comment on... I think you talked about media reports, to be honest. The focus of our partnership with Maldives has always been on capacity building and working together to address our shared challenges and priorities, you know, including security challenges and priorities. As neighbours, we need to collaborate closely to address these challenges confronting our region, such as transnational crimes as well as HADR, Humanitarian Assistance Disaster Relief situations. We look forward to engaging with the new administration in Maldives on all these issues.

On the issue of...Geeta, on Khalistan that you mentioned as well as in security...look, I wasn't sure in what context the U.S.... you referred to a statement, I understand, from the U.S... was it State Department, you said something? But look, let me just say, we have been taking up concerns about the security of our diplomats and our premises and other elements related to people there who are wanted by our security or our judicial systems, and we will continue to do that, and that's an ongoing conversation. I don't want to get into individual persons, but in the UK there was a protest on 2nd October, and we certainly have taken up our concerns on the security of diplomats and premises there with the UK authorities, and this has been an ongoing thing. The issue is about security, about ensuring that our diplomats are able to function normally and our premises are safe and that the community is not targeted. I think that's a broad element. I don't want to get into individual cases.

Pia, your question was related to the Consul Generals, something, a replacement of Ambassador. It's a very, very hypothetical and speculative question. I must say, just let me answer what I can, which is that, yes, of course, as I mentioned, we are in touch with the Afghan diplomats, as I mentioned, not only just in Delhi, but also in their Consulates in Mumbai and in Hyderabad. In terms of... they are discussing what would be the future action, what would they like to do in terms of their message that they give. They are foreign diplomats. We are not going to be discussing what they will do, who will replace whom. I think that's not within the ambit of the Government of India. So, if I got your question right, you said replacement of Ambassador and they are discussing? Yes, we are discussing. We are in touch. We said that what is their plans and I mentioned that, I think, in my opening remarks, that what would be their future course of action. But beyond that, I don't have anything particular to share.

Madhurendra ji aapka prashn tha about US report ki China kuch kar raha hai is tarah se. Dekhiye aise reports par main kuch keh nahi sakta, agar koi bhi hamare desh ke kanoon ka ullanghan ho raha hain, is tarah se kuch kar raha hai toh hamari agencies action lengi us pe. Aur iske alawa speculatory reports pe main comment nahi karna chahunga.

[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Madhurendra ji, your question was about the US report suggesting that China is doing something in this manner. See, I cannot comment on such reports. If someone is violating our country's laws, doing something like that; our agencies will take action on it. Apart from that, I do not want to comment on speculative reports.

Kallol, on your query, again, I don't know why in specific context that one individual or otherwise. If our agencies find that there have been violations of our law by an entity or an individual and it requires assistance or reaching out to foreign governments, we do that. And we would do that if our agencies asked us, as and when they do. I don't have anything specific to share on one individual or a particular case.

Kadambini Sharma: Kadambini Sharma from NDTV. Ek khabar chhapi hain Scotland ke gurudware mai jo ghatna hui thi usko lekar ki police report mai kaha hai, usko janch karne ke baad, ki usmai koi criminality nahi hai, kya isko aage take up kiya ja raha hai? Jo High Commissioner aur baki jano ke sath.

[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] This is Kadambini Sharma from NDTV. There was a news published regarding the incident that happened at the Gurudwara in Scotland. It says that after investigation, the police report said there is no criminality involved in it. Is this being taken up further? With respect to the High Commissioner and the rest of the people.

Sudhi Ranjan: Sir Sudhi Ranjan from Bloomberg. On the Canada issue, Sir, if you could give us an understanding as to when or by which time you expect India and Canada to get the parity on diplomatic staff. Also, drawing your attention to a recent report by the Politico, which says that U.S. Ambassador has kind of informed the staff that they are curtailing or cutting down interaction with Indian officials and this follows India's spat with Canada. If you can comment on that.

Megha Sharma: My name is Megha Sharma. I am from News X. My question is regarding the Maldivian President who has been elected recently and saying that he is going to cut down, in fact, remove all the Indian military troops because they are staying....

Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: I just answer that, but I am happy to.. I just answered this one, but I think you just walked in late. I am happy to repeat that to you.

Megha Sharma: Okay. And the second question, with regards to the Prime Minister of Canada coming out and saying that he wants the diplomats to be present in India so as to ease out the visa processing for students and Indian nationals, what is the response of the Indian Government? How are you then going to facilitate these visas if the diplomats are not present?

Suhasini Haidar: Two separate questions. Please, one is a follow-up. It's only a few months since India actually asked Canada to hasten its visa process. By cutting down two-thirds of the Canadian Mission's diplomatic staff, do you anticipate a decrease in the number of visas that the Canadian High Commission may be able to provide, particularly in states like Punjab and Gujarat, and for students who might be going for the fall or the spring terms in Canada? And how are you hoping to work around that since the MEA does get involved in such consular issues? And my second question is about the Afghan Embassy, because I don't think you've responded to the question yet on the specific allegations against the Ministry of External Affairs for failing to provide support to the Afghan Embassy. This includes things like exit visas for Afghan diplomats posted here, visas for their families to either come here or to leave from here, as well as what they stated was their duty to help Afghan students. They named about 3,000 of them who are stuck inside Afghanistan, have admissions to Indian colleges, and have not received a single visa for two years now.

Nirmala: Nirmala with the Straits Times. This is also a follow-up to the Afghan question. You mentioned that the Government has provided assistance or is looking at providing assistance to Afghan nationals in India. Could you please elaborate on that? And also, there are a lot of students in India whose visas have expired or whose passports have expired. So what is the message to them?

Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Message to?

Nirmala Ganapathy: Message as in what, you know, how, in terms of help.

Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Okay, let me start with the ones in Canada. Look, Sudhi, as I said, I think there are conversations that are ongoing, and I don't want to get into details of diplomatic conversations. As and when we have something to share on that...but as I mentioned, we have sought parity and I have outlined the reasons why. On the report that you mentioned, okay, some political report, I also saw. But I saw also a statement by the U.S. spokesperson here of the Embassy saying that he dismisses those reports. In any case, I'm not going to comment on them. They are the internal report of somebody saying something on the U.S. side. But the U.S., I think, State Department is...or the Embassy here has just dismissed those reports, I think, a few minutes ago. So I don't need to comment on them, hopefully.

Similarly, I think this question, Suhasini, related to Canada and also Megha...on Maldives, you can please take it. I have already answered the question on cooperation.

Suhasini, on the defence part...look, on the issue you mentioned specifically on visas, right? Now, yes, we had, I think, initially talked about expired visas, for those who required. But let me also clarify in the context of the parity, it's up to the Canadian side who they choose to staff their High Commission with. So I would refer you to them, for any details. In this regard, our concerns are related to ensuring parity in diplomatic presence. And again, as I said, why. And I think, you know, that's been our focus very clearly.

On the issue of Prime Minister of Canada, Megha, you had mentioned about ease of visa processing, they should stay. Again, as I said, we are looking at parity, we are looking at the fact that there have been interference and there has been a much higher number of Canadian diplomats here. And hence, the discussions on achieving parity are ongoing and rest of it, I can't comment on it yet. Obviously, if the parity is achieved, given that Canada has a much larger number of people there, would likely be a reduction in the numbers.

Megha Sharma: (inaudible)

Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: As I said, our focus is on ensuring parity. It is possible, as I said, the Canadian side may choose who they staff their High Commission with.

I wanted to mention also about...I think Afghanistan came up, right? Nirmala, your question was about what should...look, on the consular services, it's for the Afghan Embassy and the Consulates to provide. In terms of assistance, we have...whoever are here, the visas have been regularized, they've been staying here if they are unable to return or some other reason. So Afghan nationals are here. They're here for various reasons. Some are students, some have done ITEC courses. Those who are unable to return, their visas are being regularized on an ongoing basis. We've also announced now... I think ICCR a few weeks ago, 1000 e-courses, online courses for students from Afghanistan. Our assistance programs for the people of Afghanistan have continued. We have a technical team precisely for that reason in Kabul so that we are able to continue that assistance.

Suhasini, your larger issue of the comments...look, I don't want to get into a statement which they have made, which I said there are discussions and others have disagreed. But let me just make a general comment that I don't think facts bear out what...I won't say allegations, but those statements are, in what you have referred to. I don't think they're factually correct and I don't think that's accurate, many of them. But again, I don't want to get into a discussion on that. We are in touch with diplomats here, as I said, in the Embassy here and in the Consulates. I don't wish to get into an issue, which is more specifically on a letter.

Kadambini aapka prashn tha gurudwara ke bare mai, usmai jo incident hua tha Glasgow mai uski ke bare mai aap jikar kar rahe the, jismai hamare ucchayog ne ek bayan, statement de rakhi hai. Aaj humne dekha ki kuch report hain, par woh abhi haal hi ki baat hai ki aur koi criminal activity nahi hai. Dekhiye woh individual case take up karenge ya nahi, main abhi kehna nahi chahta hoon, hum bhi dekhenge exactly unhone kya dekha tha us individual ke bare mai. But jaisa ki unhone, hamare ucchayog ne kaha ki hamare High Commissioner ko roka gaya, threaten kiya gaya, ye hum accept nahi kar sakte isliye isko humne UK high authorities ke sath raise kiya tha, aur hum karte rahenge taki hamare diplomats wahan pe normal tarike se apne jo karya hain woh kar sake aur unke pas koi badha na ho na koi aise security threat unke upar aaye.

[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Kadambini, your question was about the Gurudwara incident in Glasgow, which you mentioned, in which a statement has been issued by our High Commission. Today, we have seen some reports, which are recent and they indicate that there is no further criminal activity. Whether they will take up individual case or not, I don't want to comment at the moment. We will also see exactly what they found regarding that individual. But, as our High Commission stated, our High Commissioner was stopped and threatened. We cannot accept this, so we raised the issue with the UK high authorities, and we will continue to do so to ensure that our diplomats can carry out their duties without any hindrance or security threats.

Vishal: Sir main Vishal hoon Zee News se, hamne dekha ki jabse Canada ke Pradhan Mantri ne bebuniyad aarop lagaye aur Bharat ne kada rukh apanaya uske baad Canada ke PM ke bayan lagatar badal rahe the. Humne unka ek bayan suna jisme uhone kaha ki Bharat ek badhti aarthik shakti hai aur mahavapurna bhu rajnitik taakat hai, aur hum ghanist sambandh banane ke liye gambhir hain. Kya aapko lagta hai ki ye bayan bharat ke kade rukh ko dekhte hue canada ki taraf se aaya hai?

[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Sir, I am Vishal from Zee News. We have observed that since the Prime Minister of Canada made baseless allegations and India took a tough stand, Canada's PM has been changing his statements continuously. We heard a statement from him in which he said that India is an emerging economic power and an important geopolitical force and we are serious about building stronger relations. Do you think this statement came from Canada due to India's tough stand?

Sandhya: Sandhya, ET. Has Canada shared any information with India with respect to the investigation on the Nijjar matter in last one week?

Manas: This is Manas from PTI. Again, on the Afghan Embassy issue. For MEA, actually, is Farid Mamundzay no longer the Ambassador of Afghanistan in India? Just the clarification.

Neeraj Dubey: Sir, main Neeraj Dubey Prabhasakshi se. Mera sawal ye hai ki nepal ke ek shahar mai do samudayon ke beech aise dange bhadke hain ki lockdown aur curfew ki naubat aa gayi hai, kyuki woh ilaka Bharat se sata hua hai, toh kya hamari is par kuch pratikriya hai?

[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Sir, I am Neeraj Dubey from Prabhasakshi. My question is that in a city in Nepal, there have been clashes between two communities to the extent that a lockdown and curfew have been imposed. Since that area is adjacent to India, do we have any response to this?

Urvashi: Sir I am Urvashi Khona from New Indian. My question was about several complaints that MEA has received regarding Afghan envoy and the team coming out and extorting huge amount of money in the name of visa and visa seekers have yet not received it, what is the status? I think there are spree of complaints that MEA has received.

Dhairya Maheshwari: Sir Dhairya Maheshwari, Sputnik India. My question is about the Moscow Format talks. What was India's statement, message to Taliban at that forum and was there any official contact with the Taliban delegation as well? Thank you Sir.

Rishabh: Rishabh from Times Now. Sir, on 26th September, a UK MP, Andrew Gwynne, has visited POK, called POK, Azad Kashmir and said that we will create pressure on India for plebiscite. What's MEA's reaction to it?

Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: To what? The visit?

Rishabh: The visit and the comment that we will create pressure on India for plebiscite, UN monitored plebiscite.

Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: And this was when?

Rishabh: 26th September, Sir.

Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: 26th September?

Rishabh: Sir, the video has just come out.

Abhishek Jha: Sir I am Abhishek Jha from CNN News18. My question is regarding US State Department's regular, almost on daily basis statements, regarding their concern on the allegations of Canadian government. My question is on the issue, on the meeting of External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and his counterpart in USA. They said that the conversation happened on the issue of Canada also. What kind of concerns US expressed or what kind of talk happened on the topic?

Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: On the talks?

Abhishek Jha: On Canada.

Shashank Mattoo: Shashank Mattoo with the Mint. So we've seen the fighting between Armenia and Azerbaijan over...in Nagorno-Karabakh. The Republic has now been dissolved and tens of thousands of people have left their allegations of ethnic cleansing.

Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Yeah. I'm aware of the developments. What's your query?

Shashank Mattoo: What is India's stand on this situation?

Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Okay, let me try to answer some of them. Canada, Vishal...unse puchna padega unhone kaise kiya, main speculate aisa nahi kar raha hoon unhone kya kaha. Hamara jo rukh hain, humne do chizon pe kafi jor diya hain, ki ek toh waha aisa security situation rahe ki hamare diplomats normal tarike se kaam kar paye, aur yaha per ab hum parity dekh rahe hain hamare Embassies ke bich mai, jitne manpower yahan pe diplomats hain. Main baki chiz pe kuch comments karne ki position mai nahi hoon.

[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] On Canada, Vishal, you'll have to ask them how they did it; I'm not speculating on what they said. Our stand has been...we have focused on two things: one, ensuring that there is such a security situation wherein our diplomats can work normally, and here we are looking for parity between our Embassies, in terms of the manpower, diplomats present here. I am not in a position to comment on other things.

Sandhya, your query was on, has anything being shared in the recent one week. Look, I would refer you to what External Affairs Minister has been saying. He said this in a couple of places during his recent visit. He said, if anything specific or relevant information is shared, we are open to looking at it. And let me reiterate that. I think that's exactly how we would like to respond to that query. I think he said that and I think that's best...I think that would be the best response to that.

On the issue, Abhishek, since you raised it in the context of this...again, I think you saw External Affairs Minister give press conference; he also spoke about it in various occasions, his conversations. He talked about and that it was discussed, and he gave a sense of the conversation. I don't think I want to add to anything, he's already said in the U.S. on that. So I think I'll leave that.

There was a query, about POK, Rishabh...I think your query was there, no, sorry, your question was on POK. Look, as I said, I think I can just repeat what I've been saying about visitors. We would request, you know, international community to respect our sovereignty and territory integrity. You know our position on the areas of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir and how we look at the entire territory, our Union Territory as integral part of India and so that would be my comment on it. I don't have anything particular. As you said, the video has just come out. I don't know if our Mission has taken it up, but we normally convey our concerns on such things on a regular basis, if whenever we see such development.

Regarding Afghanistan, there are a couple of questions. Look, Urvashi, I don't know, who asked about the, no longer the Ambassador? No, that was Manas. I don't know how, what is the basis of that. I'm just telling you the developments, we've seen the note, we are talking to diplomats who are here; whoever is here, diplomat at the Afghan Embassy here. I don't see anything that leads me to that.

You mentioned Afghan envoy, some complaints, Urvashi. I am sorry, I'm not going to get into issues on foreign diplomats here. Those are, you know, internal and those are within... as a part of diplomatic practice.

Dhairya, on the issue of statement, I think we put out something about a conversation that we participated in these talks, this is not the first time. We are guided by UN Security Council resolution 2593 and we've always wanted, you know, inclusive government, as well as respect for women rights and various other requirements. We are guided by our desire to have closer possible relations with Afghan people and how we can assist them. I don't want to give anything specific more than that because I think these were internal conversations. But I think we have been participating and I think there's a feeling that our contribution is important and we are important players in this.

On the issue, I missed out one, Neeraj, who mentioned that one? Neeraj Dubey ji aapka prashn tha Nepal pe, ji woh nepal ki territory mai hai, main bilkul kuch kehna nahi chanunga, I am sure Nepalese authorities usme deal kar rahe hain.

[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Neeraj Dubey ji, your question was on Nepal. That falls within the territory of Nepal. I won't comment on it at all; I am sure the Nepalese authorities are dealing with it.

On the issue of, I think, Nagorno-Karabakh, I think you asked this. Look, we are aware of the reports regarding the developments that you have referred to. We of course continue to monitor the situation. We also encourage the parties to move forward on ensuring long-term peace and security in the region through dialogue and diplomacy, which includes the safety and well-being of all civilians.

Okay, thank you very much for joining this press conference. Good evening.