Transcript of Weekly Media Briefing by the Official Spokesperson (November 09, 2023)
India - Ministry of External Affairs
November 09, 2023
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: A very good evening to all of you. Thank you for joining us for our weekly briefing. I don't really have any announcements, so maybe we will just take some questions.
Shalinder: Sir Shalinder hoon Network 18 se, aapne dekha hoga pichle jahan tak mujhe yaad hain 3 aise incidents hue hain cross border firing ke, ceasefire violation ke Pakistan ki taraf se jismai BSF ko nishana banaya gaya hain. Kya is issue ko India ne formally Pakistan ke sath deplomatically raise kiya hain ya nahi?
[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Sir, Shalinder from News 18. You must have seen, as far as I remember, 3 incidents of cross border firing, ceasefire violation have happened from Pakistan side, wherein BSF has been targeted. Has India formally raised this issue with Pakistan diplomatically?
Vinit Dixit: Vinit Dixit from Newsgate. Sir Qatar mai jo 8 hamare bandhak hain jinke khilaf death penalty announce kari gayi hain, kya ummid kari ja sakti hain ki Qatar ka jo national day hain 18 december ke aas pass hoga us din tak woh sab riha ho jayenge? Is disha mai kya kadam uthaye ja rahe hain? Kya batchit ho rahi hain aur kahan tak successful hui hain? Koi aasha ki umeed hain?
[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Vinit Dixit from Newsgate. Sir, can we hope that our 8 prisoners in Qatar, to whom the death penalty has been announced, will be released by the time of Qatar's National Day, around December 18th? What steps are being taken in this direction? What talks are going on, and to what extent have they been successful? Is there any hope?
Speaker: [Inaudible]
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Could you repeat the first part, that two governments are in contact you said? About expanded number of...
i
Speaker: Yes. Expanded number of Indian...[Inaudible]
Aayushi: Sir Aayushi Agrawal from ANI. Sir will there be representation from India in the upcoming oath taking ceremony of the President-elect of Maldives on 17th November, since there were reports of Maldives inviting our Prime Minister to visit Male?
Samira Hussain: Samira Hussain with BBC. Antony Blinken is going to coming to visit on off the heels of a visit from the Middle East. How much will the Middle East be a part of the talking points at the 2+2 and do you expect to talk about Canada at all?
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Anybody has a follow up on this instead of coming back to it?
Vishal: Sir main Vishal hoon Zee News se. Qatar ki taraf se kya judgement ki copy bharat ko muhaiyya karayi gayi hain jo hamare bhartiyon ko maut ki saja sunai gayi hain? Aur kya koi appeal manjoor hui hain abhi tak?
[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Sir, I am Vishal from Zee News. Has a copy of the judgment regarding the death sentences pronounced to Indian nationals been made available to India from Qatar side? And has any appeal been accepted so far?
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Okay, any other ones on this? On Qatar, anything else? I know that this is a topic you have been asking me. Okay, if not, let me start with President-elect, I think that was Aayushi, your question. We have received an invitation for Prime Minister to attend that. I will let you know once, you know, we have a decision on who would represent us and in what capacity. As of right now, I do not have any further information to share on that, but yes, we have received an invitation.
Samira, on the issue of discussions, yes, as you know, the 2+2 is tomorrow. I think US Secretary of Defence has just landed and we are expecting Secretary Blinken little later in the evening. Tomorrow 2+2 is there. I am not going to try to prejudge the conversations. I guess, considering the nature of our relationship and the global strategic partnership, a variety of issues are discussed, including topical issues, regional developments, so I would not rule it out, but I certainly would not like to prejudge it. On Canada...if they wish to discuss, we will take a look...but again, I would not prejudge. Let us wait for tomorrow and we will try to update you what actually transpires.
John, you had a query on Israel and India. Look, I am not sure of specific conversations or requests. I saw some reports of 100,000 workers replacing other workers there. I have not heard any of those things. I am not aware of any specific figure or request. But since you asked on the larger topic, as you are aware, we have been working with, you know, towards giving our citizens access to the global workplace. You have heard External Affairs Minister talk about this issue. In this regard, we have been in discussion on trying to get into mobility agreements with a number of countries. Such frameworks or agreements ensure that our people are treated fairly, their rights are protected and they are not discriminated against. In fact, if you remember just now, External Affairs Minister was in Italy and an understanding was concluded then. With Israel, there are already a number of Indian workers employed there, especially in the caregiver sector. Since, I think, 2022, we have been discussing a bilateral framework in the construction and caregiver sectors, but this is a long-term initiative and I am not, as I said, aware of any specific requests or numbers that have been floating around. So, that is what I would like to mention here.
Shalinder aapka prashna tha jo cross border firing ke bare mai, in fact kuch incident aaj ka bhi hain. Dekhiye aise jo incidents hote hain hum unko regularly inko... aise ceasefire violations jo hote hain aur cross border infiltration ki jo ghatnaye hoti hain, kabhi drone se ya firing se, ye hamare jo bilateral agreements hain unka ullanghan hain aur hum unko Pakistan ke sath hamesha uthate hain aur isko hum take up karte hain. Aur ye jo recent incidents hui hain, aaj wale ka main keh nahi sakta but jo abhi recently hui thi, jo BSF ne Pakistani side ke sath flag meetings mai inka issue take up kiya hain aur diplomatic channels ke jariye bhi humne ye mudda unke samne rakha hain.
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Shalinder, your question was about cross-border firing, in fact there has been an incident today as well. Look, such incidents, incidents of ceasefire violations or cross-border infiltration, whether by drones or firing; these are violations of our bilateral agreements and we regularly raise them with Pakistan, we always take them up with them. Regarding the recent incidents, I cannot say on today's incident specifically, but regarding the ones happened recently, BSF has taken up those issues in flag meetings with the Pakistani side, and we have also brought up this matter with them through diplomatic channels.
Vinit, aapka prashna tha Qatar ke baare mai. Dekhiye iske bare mai hum jaise aapko bataya ja raha hai, ek Court of First Instance hota hain Qatar mai, jinhone 26 October ko judgment diya tha, ye 8 Indian employee jo the Al Dahra company ke. Judgment confidential hai, aur sirf legal team ke sath share kiya gaya hai, woh ab agle legal steps jo hain uske bare mai jaanch kar rahe hain. Ek appeal file ki gayi hai. Mujhe jitna maloon hai, unka appeal file ho gaya hai aur hum bhi Qatari authorities ke sath is mamle mai sampark banaye hue hain. 7 November ko hamari Embassy ko ek aur round of consular access mili jab hum mile un 8 logon se, aur hum unke family members ke sath bhi contact mai hain. Pichle hafte, isi mahine me thoda pahle, Videsh Mantri ne unke family members ke sath yahin Delhi mai mulakat ki thi aur hum jitna ho sake legal aur consular assistance hum unko dete rahenge. Main ye kahna chahunga ki ye mamla bahut hi samvedenshil nature ka hai, isliye speculation mai bilkul shamil na ho, main ye phir dohrane ka anurodh karunga. Kanuni aur consular madad jo hum de sakte hain hum denge.
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Vinit, your question was about Qatar. Regarding this, as you are being informed, there is a Court of First Instance in Qatar, which pronounced the judgment on October 26 for these 8 Indian employees of the Al Dahra company. The judgment is confidential and has been shared with the legal team only. They are currently examining the next legal steps. An appeal has also been filed. As far as I know, their appeal has been filed, and we are also in contact with the Qatari authorities on this matter. On November 7, our Embassy got another round of consular access, during which we met with these 8 individuals, and we are in contact with their family members as well. Last week... earlier this month, the External Affairs Minister met their family members here in Delhi. We will provide as much legal and consular assistance as we can. I would like to emphasize that this matter is of a very sensitive nature, so don't engage in speculation. We will provide all the legal and consular assistance that we can.
I know there was interest on this question, so we are going to do an English version of it. I know there was a lot of query. As we had informed earlier, the Court of First Instance of Qatar passed a judgement on October 26 in the case involving eight Indian employees of Al Dahra Company. The judgement is confidential and has only been shared with the legal team. They are now pursuing further legal steps and I think an appeal has already been filed. We will also remain engaged with the Qatari authorities in this matter. On November 7, our embassy in Doha received another consular access to the detainees. We are in touch with their family members too and you will recall, External Affairs Minister met the family members earlier this month in New Delhi. We will continue to extend all legal and consular support and I would urge everyone not to engage in speculation considering the sensitive nature of the case.
Suhasini Haider: This is Suhasini Haider from The Hindu. I had one question and a follow-up. The question is about the plans for a voice of global summit as well as the G20 virtual summit later this month. I wanted to just get a sense of how many countries you're expecting will attend at the leadership level for both and particularly in the G20. Are we expecting the leaders who weren't able to make it for the G20 summit to come for the virtual one specifically, of course, the Presidents of Russia and China? So that's my question and the follow-up was about Israel as well. You said you didn't want to prejudge what we might discuss with the U.S. Secretary of State but just wanted to get a specific comment on whether India is calling for a ceasefire from the Israeli side of its bombardment of Gaza.
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: You mean in the context of what? in the context of tomorrow's conversation or in general? So it's not a follow up, a general question?
Suhasini Haider: No, no. Because we had seen your statement on the UNGA...
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: I agree. So it has got nothing to do with the 2+2 tomorrow. Okay, fair enough.
Speaker 2: Sputnik India. My question is about... Prime Minister Modi has been speaking to West Asian leaders, including the Iranian president, who has urged India to, you know, implement humanitarian pause. So what's India's stance on that?
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Okay. On humanitarian pause?
Speaker 2: Yeah.
Rishabh: Sir, Rishabh from Times Now. Sir, there are reports about a court judgment in Australia for our former High Commissioner Navdeep Suri about him underpaying the house help or a staff and he has been asked to pay about $1,36,000 as remuneration to the lady. Can you explain what exactly happened and what, you know, how does India see it?
Ravinder Singh Robin: Sir I am Ravinder Singh Robin. Aaj Kartarpur corridor ke 4 saal pure ho gaye hain sir, aur 5000 ke banaspat, 200 ke karib average shradhalu wahan par ja rahe hain. India ki demand aur logon ki demand rahi ki $20 ki fees kam ki jaye aur passport ki shart kam ki jaye. Iske upar Pakistan ka abhi tak koi jawab aaya hai?
[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Sir, I am Ravinder Singh Robin. It has been 4 years since the Kartarpur Corridor was opened, and instead of 5000 pilgrims, only approximately 200 pilgrims on average are visiting there. There has been a demand from India and from the people for a reduction in the $20 fee and relaxation in the condition of passport requirement. Has Pakistan responded to this?
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Nahin, prashna kya tha. Pakistan ka jawab nahi aaya mujhe maloon hain. Ispe hamara kya vaktavya hain?
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] No, what was the question? I know that Pakistan has not responded. What is our response to this?
Ravinder Singh Robin: Ispe MEA ne kaha tha ki Pakistan ko kaha gaya hain, so uske upar kya unki koi reply aayi hai?
[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] MEA had mentioned that Pakistan has been informed on this. Has any reply been received from Pakistan on this matter?
Neeraj Dubey: Sir main Neeraj Dubey hoon Prabha Sakshi se. Abhi humne dekha ki sir ek bhartiya chhatr ki US mai hatya kar di gayi. Is tarike ke vaakye badh rahe hain, American mantri yahan par aaye hain, kya ye vishay Bharat unke samaksha uthayega? Halaki ye ho sakta hai ki ye agenda mai nahi ho lekin kya in vishayon par koi baatchit hogi?
[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Sir, I am Neeraj Dubey from Prabha Sakshi. We have just witnessed the killing of an Indian student in the United States. Such incidents are on the rise, and American ministers are visiting here. Will India raise this issue with them? Although it may not be on their agenda, will there be any discussions on these issues?
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Suhasini, on your queries regarding the summit. Look, on the G20 virtual summit, you recall Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had announced that there will be a virtual summit before the end of our presidency. We haven't yet formally announced the date and the details of that, so let's wait for that. But in the nature of a virtual summit, we would hope that invitations have been extended to all G20 and guest countries and we would hope that everybody is able to attend, particularly considering there is a virtual summit. However, summits as we have discussed earlier, participants are sometimes unable to attend for various reasons. But yes, invitations have gone out to everyone and we will announce a formal thing on the specific timing and date once we are there. On the Voice of Global South Summit, yes, that's something that's also being discussed, but again, we haven't made any formal announcement. Please wait till we come back on that.
As regards the issue of Israel and the conflict in Gaza, look, I know this issue has come up a couple of times. I don't have a specific update but since there were different questions on this, let me reiterate where we stand. We made our position clear on multiple occasions, including during the UN General Assembly debate I think on October 27th. We have strongly condemned the horrific terrorist attack on Israel, urged the need for zero tolerance for terrorism and called for immediate and unconditional release of hostages. We have also conveyed our deep concern at the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the increasing civilian toll and welcomed efforts to de-escalate the situation and provide humanitarian assistance. India has also sent 38 tons of humanitarian relief material. We have emphasized the need for strict observance of international humanitarian law. We have also urged the parties to de-escalate, eschew violence and work towards creating conditions for an early resumption of direct peace negotiations towards a two-state solution. And I think that captures all aspects of how we look at that very difficult situation there.
Rishabh, you asked a question on an individual. On consular issues usually I would be hesitant to comment too much on this but let me just say, since you asked a specific broader context, service staff of the High Commission of India in Australia, in Canberra, wilfully deserted her employment post in May 2016, one day before her scheduled departure back to India. She was holding an official passport and was on an Australian diplomatic visa. Since then we have repeatedly requested Australian authorities to locate and repatriate her to India. We have learnt that she has made allegations against the then High Commissioner and an ex parte judgment has now been issued by an Australian court. I think you are referring to that. Let me reiterate that we reject any local standi of Australian authorities to adjudicate on matters concerning such India-based service staff of the High Commission. Any grievance that she may have, has to be suitably addressed only in India. Her conduct and false representations give rise to suspicions that all this has been motivated by a desire to permanently stay in Australia and in which she seems to have succeeded. We are also concerned by the ex parte court judgment. We are taking up the matter with Australian authorities. We would urge Australia to uphold its obligations under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, particularly in relation to diplomatic immunities and privileges. I don't want to get into specifics of the persons.
Robin ji aapne kaha Kartarpur corridor, aap jante hi hain is vishay ko hum kitni ahmiyat dete hain. Humne ye $20 ki jo fees hai isko ghatane ya hatane ka prastav bhi de rakha hai, passport ke liye bhi humne kaha hai, hum isko dohrate rehte hain par abhi tak hamare paas koi aisa update nahi aaya hai. Hum jante hain ki isse dikkatain hoti hain aur ye hamari jo request hai isko hum phir se dohraenge.
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Robin ji, you mentioned the Kartarpur Corridor, and you are well aware of how much importance we give to this matter. We have proposed to reduce or remove the $20 fee, and we have also discussed about passport requirement. We keep reiterating these points, but so far, we have not received any updates. We know that these issues cause difficulties, and we will repeat our request on this matter.
Neeraj ji, aapka prashn tha ek student jo abhi I think aaj gujar gaye hain, bahot dukh bhara incident hai, hamari Consulate unke sath contact mai thi... unki family aur friends ke sath. Aise cases pe hum local authorities se jarur discuss karte hain. Kal iski charcha hogi ya nahi main ye keh nahi sakta hoon, jaise maine kaha isko prejudge nahi karna chahiye, kya discuss hoga, par hum jo American law enforcement authorities hain unse jarur baat karte hain aur hum chahte hain ki hamare jo nagrik ho, ya indian community ke log hain unko suraksha rahe. Pura detail mujhe hain nahi, is ghatna ka, kaise hua, par ye bahut dukhad ghatna hai.
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Neeraj ji, your question was about a student who I think passed away today, it's a very tragic incident. Our consulate was in contact with their family and friends. In such cases, we do discuss with local authorities. Whether there will be a discussion on this tomorrow or not, I cannot say, as I mentioned, we shouldn't prejudge it. However, we do talk to the American law enforcement authorities, and we want to ensure the safety of our citizens and the Indian community. I don't have the full details on how this incident occurred, but it is a very tragic event.
Huma Siddiqui: Sir I am Huma Siddiqui from the Financial Express. There were reports that India may start buying oil from Venezuela. Will this issue come up tomorrow during the 2+2?
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Okay, in the context of US Sanctions?
Huma Siddiqui: And my second question is, Minister Lekhi is in South America. She is visiting Paraguay and Ecuador. So what is the outcome of those because there is hardly anything coming out of it?
Emerson: Good afternoon. I am Emerson from Central News Agency of Taiwan. You mentioned about labour mobility agreements a few moments ago. Do you have any updates on the negotiation of labour mobility agreements between Taiwan and India? When will it be signed?
Pia: Hi, Pia with the Print. Will PM Modi be attending the APEC summit and if not which official will be participating instead?
Yeshi Seli: This is Yeshi Seli from the New Indian Express. The founder of Sikhs for Justice Panun has issued a statement asking Sikhs not to take the Air India flight on November 19th from Canada and he has also said that Delhi airport would be closed. So has MEA taken this up and how seriously are you taking this threat?
Abhishek Jha: I am Abhishek Jha from CNN News 18. Sir I have the same question. My only question adding to that is whether India has raised the issue with the Canadian and the US officials because it has a clear threat of probably bombing the aircraft or something.
Rita: This is Rita from news agency ANSA Italy. Any update about the story of the baby Ariha in foster care?
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Would you repeat again?
Rita: Baby Ariha in Germany.
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Look on the threats by, you know, against on flights, Air India flights. Look, we strongly condemn such terrorist threats. I do not wish to get into details as that just gives visibility to that. We have been engaged with foreign governments on the activities of radical and terrorist elements that have been inciting violence and intimidation against our leadership, our diplomats. We will continue to press these governments to deny space to such extremist elements. Let me limit it to that. We will certainly take necessary security measures against that.
Dekhiye aise aatankwadi threats ki hum kadi ninda karte hain. Aise radical aur aatankwadi elements ki gatividhiyon par sambandhit jo foreign governments hain unke sath batchit kar rahe hain, aur jo hamare leadership aur hamare diplomats ke khilaf hinsa aur aise daraane dhamkane ki liye uksate rehte hain, hum aise extremist elements ko jagah nahi mile iske liye ye agrah karte rehte hain foreign governments se. Aur security ke mamle mai humain jo measures lena hai woh toh baki agencies le hi rahi hain, aur main aur kuch kehna nahi chahta hoon kyuki aise phir inko jyada visibility bhi dena nahi chahta hoon.
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] See, we strongly condemn such terrorist threats. We are in discussions with concerned governments, regarding the activities of such radical and terrorist elements. And on those who indulge in issuing intimidating threats and violence against our leadership and diplomats, we continuously urge foreign governments not to provide space to such extremist elements. As for security measures, the necessary steps are being taken by relevant agencies, and I don't want to say more on this, because I don't want to give these elements more visibility.
Mr. Emerson, your query was on the issue of mobility agreements. I mentioned to you how we look at these, how these help us. Yes, there are discussions going on. I am afraid I cannot put a time frame on it. Negotiations by their very nature tend to not have a finite timeline. But we hope that this would be concluded in early date and that these help the people concerned who are looking to take benefit of this mobility partnership.
Huma, on Venezuela, I think we discussed this earlier. We have repeatedly said that our oil imports or our energy imports would be guided by energy security requirements. If you have any specific details that you are looking for, of course I would refer you to the relevant ministry. As regards taking it up tomorrow, look, let us not prejudge it. I cannot comment in advance whether it will happen. You asked what Ecuador... Honourable Minister of State Meenakashi Lekhi ji, of course, had gone. She also went to Netherlands after that. We have been trying to issue a press release after each segment of the visit and we will certainly do that. Let me not comment on it while the visit is still underway. So we will try to update you as the visit progresses or each segment or each leg is completed.
Pia, I do not have any update on that. I doubt very much that it will be attended at the Prime Minister level. But again, these things, till it happens, I cannot confirm. I understand we will have ministerial representation but let it be announced formally. We will come back to you when that is done.
On the issue of baby in Germany, look, this is an issue that we have been tracking, we have been requesting that her rights as an Indian, her rights and cultural rights, particularly her ability to be raised in an Indian context, be protected. We have been taking it up on a regular basis. We had access and I think we briefed some time ago that we got consular access and some gifts and other elements were provided to her. In fact I probably have some details of that conversation. I do not have an immediate update this week but this is something that we continue to follow. The consular access in fact is on August 31st and that interaction included elements of cultural immersion with a view to enable the child to remain connected with Indian traditions and culture which we think is important. We remain in constant engagement with German authorities on the matter to safeguard the child's cultural and national identity and rights and to ensure her return to India. Thank you very much.
Kallol: Well, there has been a crackdown on the opposition in Bangladesh after the October 28 rally. Some of the top leaders, including the General Secretary of the biggest opposition party, BNP is in prison and one of the standing committee members who spoke to us when he was visiting Delhi said that India has not yet issued a statement which can actually promote free and fair election in Bangladesh and on that count they are kind of disappointed. So I would like to sort of ask you what is really India's position on the Bangladesh government putting opposition leaders in jail?
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Let me preface my answer by saying that characterization of all of these elements is your words, not mine. Crackdown, jailed opposition leader, etc. are your interpretation. Please don't ascribe them to me. We do not want to comment on the policy of any third country. Elections in Bangladesh, as I have said, are a domestic matter for them. It is for the people of Bangladesh to decide their own future. As a close friend and partner, we respect the democratic process in Bangladesh and we will continue to support Bangladesh's vision of a stable, peaceful and progressive nation. So that would be my response to whatever you said.
Thank you. Thank you for joining us. Good evening.
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