Transcript of Weekly Media Briefing by the Official Spokesperson (December 21, 2023)
India - Ministry of External Affairs
December 21, 2023
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Good afternoon to all of you. Thank you for joining us for this week's media briefing. I really don't have an announcement, so maybe we'll go to the questions first.
Sidhant: Hi, Sir. Sidhant from WION. My question is, we recently saw the visit of the Pakistani Army Chief to Washington, where he was seen meeting with the US Secretary of State and other State Department officials. What's your response on these meetings?
Meghna Dev: Sir, Meghna Dev from DD News. ISRO has bagged the prestigious Erikson Lunar Prize. Any comment from the Ministry of External Affairs on this?
Aayushi Agarwal: Sir, Aayushi Agarwal from ANI. My question is regarding the recent developments in the Red Sea. We saw the tweet by our Prime Minister speaking with the Israeli Prime Minister. How much this is a concern for India when it comes to trade? And are we also in touch with the Yemeni or the Iranian authorities regarding any de-escalation talks?
Rishabh: Sir, Rishabh from Times Now. Sir, this is regarding Maldives not signing hydrographic survey with India. Any comments on that?
Shashank Mattoo: Sir, Shashank Mattoo with The Mint. Just on the Houthi attacks, the Americans have put together a task force coalition...
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: This is the Red Sea?
Shashank Mattoo: Red Sea attacks. The Houthi attacks. The Americans have put together a coalition. Have they reached out to India to also play a role in restoring stability in that part of the world?
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Sidhant, let me start with your query. This was about the recent reports that we saw. Yes, we did see some reports in this regard, about these meetings. Look, our concerns about Pakistan's support for terrorism, its support for cross-border attacks is well known. We would hope that other countries also take counter-terrorism seriously.
Meghna, your query on ISRO. This is, of course, a great achievement by ISRO and our congratulations to them. You would have seen the tweet by External Affairs Minister, I think our Mission and External Affairs Minister also tweeted about it. I don't have much to add except to say that this is quite a feat and congratulations, of course, and they make the country proud with these kind of activities and achievements.
Ayushi, and as well as Shashank, your queries regarding the attacks in the Red Sea... your specific query was on...Ayushi, what is happening in the Red Sea or something on trade. Look, India has always, of course, you know, we have vested interests and have been supportive of the free movement of commercial shipping. So that is something that we are interested in. We are, of course, monitoring the developments there. Insofar as I think there was...we are also, as you know, as part of efforts globally to...international efforts to ensure free shipping, whether it be against piracy or otherwise, India has been involved in it. So we will continue to monitor that. I think, there was some communication regarding this task force or the operation, but I would have to get back to you regarding any specific development on that issue, because I am not aware of whether, you know, there has been any specific invitation or we have been asked to join or we have agreed to join. As I said, this is a new initiative and we will have to get back to you as soon as we have something to convey on that. But let me emphasize that we have been part of efforts to ensure the safe transit of ships in the Arabian Sea and we value the free movement of commercial shipping. I am not aware of any conversations with any specific country, certainly Iran or Yemen, you mentioned.
Rishabh, your query was on the statements by Maldives, you said. You mean the last conversation or you had the specific statement by... the announcement?
Rishabh: No, sir. They haven't signed the hydrography agreement.
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: No, that's not correct. There is an agreement. What I understand is that you are talking about not to renew it. That's the one? Look, let me just say that India has a proven track record, a proven record in the field of hydrography and we have also been cooperating with many countries in the Indian Ocean region on hydrography and various elements related to that. The benefits to partner countries are visible and I would like to just leave it at that.
Let me take the next set of queations.
Yeshi: This is Yeshi Seli from the New Indian Express. What is the latest update on the eight naval veterans in Qatar?
Meghna Dev: Sir, Meghna Dev from DD News. Sir, recently on 18th December, it was the National Day. Any pardon, if we know about, has been issued for our eight naval officers who are in prison?
Dhairya Maheshwari: Sir, Dhairya Maheshwari, Sputnik India. The EU announced 12th round of sanctions against Russia which specifically targets the import of Russian diamonds as well as those processed in third countries. They are saying that they are in coordination with G7 and will start implementing this ban from January. India's Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council, the Industry Association, it has raised concerns over the timeline and it has also said that we are making representation to the Indian Government so that the Indian interests, you know, they are not compromised. So my question is if India is in talks with the EU, with the G7 countries on this. Thank you.
Abhishek Jha: Hi, sir. Abhishek Jha from CNN-News18 this side. On a recent interview, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said that he has sensed a tonal shift from India since U.S....
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Sorry. What shift?
Abhishek Jha: A tonal shift from India since U.S. reported alleged killing plot. And if I may quote, he has also said that we don't want to be in a situation of having a fight with India. He also said that I think there is a beginning of an understanding that they cannot bluster their way through this and there is an openness to collaborating in a way that perhaps they were less open before. How do you see this statement? Has there been any new initiative about the collaboration or the joint investigation that Canadian side wanted?
Manas: This is Manas from PTI. Just a little clarification on the death row convict Indians in Qatar.
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Sorry. Could you repeat? Clarification on?
Manas: Clarification on the Indians in Qatar. Did we reach out to the Qatari authorities or Qatari Government for a pardon, by the Emir actually, in fact, because it was the National Day. I mean, they had pardoned a number of prisoners. So did you reach out to them or the families reached out to the authorities there?
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Look, Dhairya, let me start with your query. This was regarding the last round of sanctions, 12th round of sanctions. I'm not sure of the timeline, whether it's January or March. But I think we've responded to this earlier. We have concerns on this matter. This has been a subject of discussions with the EU and the G7. And as I said, this is something that's important and we will keep you updated on how this conversation...or if there are any developments on this. But to emphasize, that this is our issue of concern, I think I've said this before or other people have said it earlier.
Regarding the situation or the Indians in Qatar, I think, Yeshi, you had a query, Meghna, you also did, and I think, Manas, you have...different aspects of it. Look, I don't have much of an update in the sense we've been telling you about what has been happening. Just to let you know, share with you where we are last. As you are aware, this case is now in the Court of Appeal, as it's called. And there have been three hearings in the Qatar's Court of Appeal, November 23rd, November 30th and December 7th. Meanwhile, our Ambassador in Doha got consular access; I mentioned that last time we met, to meet all the eight men on December 3rd. But beyond this, I don't have anything to share at this stage. I have no information, I have no indication of who were the people pardoned and how many Indians were there. We certainly have not received any indication that these eight are involved in that. And as you know, any case, the case is going on. So I would be a little surprised that it will happen while a case is going on. But I don't have information. In fact, we haven't, I think, been formally communicated about which is the pardon list and how many Indians are on that. I know there are some Indians on it, but once we have that. I don't want to get into conversations between two governments. We did mention last time, we were talking about Prime Minister and the Emir of Qatar having a conversation. But let me not get into more details. But as we have said, this is an important issue that we are following and, you know, that how we can get our people back to India at the earliest. That is what is driving us. I think, Meghna, your query is also on that pardon-related issue.
Abhishek, on your query, I am not exactly sure how to answer it, in the sense this is a comment by the Prime Minister of Canada and I wouldn't like to comment on that. But I think our position has been quite consistent and whenever this has been raised, I think we have highlighted how we see the problem and frankly the core issue remains, the space that is given to extremists and terrorists and anti-India elements in that country. I think you would have heard also from External Affairs Minister recently as well as others about the developments of that case and the fact that if there is something, then we will look into it. But at the core of it, the problem remains this. So I won't like to say whether they have noted a shift or not, because certainly our position has remained consistent and we would hope that they would take action on such extremist elements that are misusing the freedom of speech and expression in their country.
Pia: Hi, Pia with the Print. Two questions, if you'll allow me. One is more of a clarification on whether Indian workers will be sent to Israel to...
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: How is there a clarification, ma'am? Okay, anyway.
Pia: I will tell you why, to mean the labor shortage there. So the clarification is needed because in a conversation between PM Modi and the Israel Prime Minister on Tuesday, the Israel readout said that the two leaders talked of expediting the arrival of Indian workers in Israel. But on 14 December, MOS V. Muraleedharan responded to a Parliament question where he said the Government has not made any discussions with Israel regarding possible replacement. Right? So clarification on that, please. Secondly, I wanted to inquire about the Indian national, Nikhil Gupta, who has been cited in the US indictment regarding the Pannun murder plot. He is currently in Prague and he's appealed to the Supreme Court to help him get a fair trial. Now, the Czech authorities have said that Indian courts have no jurisdiction over this case. Any response to the Czech Foreign Ministry's remarks?
Sridhar: Sridhar from The Asian Age. Sir, there were reports recently that a group of US congressmen, Indian Americans, called the Samosa Caucus, they had been given a classified briefing on the Pannun case and they all came out after that, warning India that unless it took steps to address this issue, there could be serious damage to ties. So how are you looking at it, because these are all friends of India, they are not adversaries. So how are you looking at that? And secondly, related to this, it's been about a month since the committee was constituted to examine this issue after the US raised its concerns. Any forward movement on that? when is the conclusion of the... when are the findings expected? Thank you.
Irina Polina: Irina Polina, TASS News Agency. As far as we know, a meeting of Russian-Indian Intergovernmental Commission is planned in the nearest future. Could you please confirm that? And is it true that Minister Jaishankar...
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Sorry, I didn't get your question. This was the IRIGC-TEC, or which one? Which level is this? This is the Ministerial level?
Irina Polina: Yes, that Minister Jaishankar is supposed to visit Moscow...
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Okay, this is in Moscow. Irina Polina: If it is true, could you share with us these issues? Huma Siddiqui: Sir, I'm Huma Siddiqui, Financial Express. There's news that the US is easing sanctions over from Venezuela. Does it mean that India can start full trade talks with...
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Trade talks?
Huma Siddiqui: Resume business with Venezuela, once the sanctions are over.
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Too broad, what do you have in mind?
Huma Siddiqui: I mean, Oil, we have already started but there were talks about pharmaceuticals and other essential items?
Kadambini Sharma: Kadambini Sharma from NDTV. Supreme court mai jo Nikhil Gupta ke pariwar ki taraf se petition file hui hai, usmai kaha gaya hai ki giraftari ke kareeb 20 din baad wahan par Embassy se adhikari milne gaye, aur committee bhi jo constitute hui hai, toh ispe koi information hai...
[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Kadambini Sharma from NDTV. In the Supreme Court, the petition filed by Nikhil Gupta's family states that about 20 days after the arrest, officials from the Embassy went to meet him there, and the committee that has been constituted, any information on that...
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Committee? Kadambini Sharma: Sarkar ne jo ki hai... To iske aage aur koi contact hua hai ya extradition ki koi baat ho rahi hai?
[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Which the Government has constituted... Has there been any further contact or are any talks of extradition going on in this regard?
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Kiske liye? Extradition kiska? Nikhil Gupta ji ka? kaha?
[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] For whom? Whose Extradition? of Mr. Nikhil Gupta? where?
Kadambini Sharma: Czech Republic.
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Aapka question clear nahi hain but anyway jo main keh sakta hoon main aapko bataunga.
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] You question is not clear. But anyway, I will tell you what I can say.
Pia, your query on the Indian workers vis-a-vis Israel. Look, on that issue, I think, you mentioned to it, but let me clarify what we said in Parliament. And what we say in Parliament, stands. Let me just pull out what we had. I think we had a very clear statement on that. Yes. Let me refer you to the response given to the Rajya Sabha Parliamentary question on December 14th, that there have been no discussions with Israel regarding possible replacement of Palestinian laborers with Indian workers. I think that statement stands, and I have nothing to clarify on that. Of course, on a larger perspective, India has been looking at labor mobility agreements around the world, so that our citizens get access to the global workplace, they are treated fairly, their rights are protected. If you are looking at any specific job opportunities, Indian citizens are free to go abroad and take job opportunities. So I am not going to comment on what the Israeli readout about the conversation is. Prime Minister's Office has already issued something on the statement. But this is what we have said in Parliament. And I think...
Pia: Is this not contradictory?
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: No, not at all. You are assuming that it is through the Government, if somebody is going there on their own. On the Government's position, we have said what is there, and that is actually, you know, what we have said in Parliament. But if somebody is taking a job on their own or somebody is organizing, Indian citizens do go abroad on their own. It does not have to be through any G2G mechanisms, opportunities for jobs abroad are circulated by various bodies without any specific G2G mechanism. And as you know, there are a large number of Indians who are working in Israel in some sectors, particularly health care and care giver sectors, and some in construction also. I will come to the other part of it, a couple of other questions were there.
On the issue of, Irina, your query regarding the meeting of the IRIGC or the Intergovernmental Commission...look, you know, discussions are underway on a visit, a possible visit by External Affairs Minister to Moscow for this, but I do not have a confirmation or anything to announce yet. As soon as we do, we would, of course, share with you. But at this moment, as I said, we have regular bilateral engagements, including this one. But we will announce such engagements at the appropriate time, and whether the External Affairs Minister himself would go or what we do.
Huma on Venezuela, as I said, I'm not exactly sure what your query was. We have been engaging with them. There are a number of activities that are undertaken in the business sector. You mentioned the U.S. sanctions, that I'm not sure if pharma was covered in that or not. But if we have any new initiatives, we'll let you know. But otherwise, there is usually ongoing cooperation. If you want any particular details, we'll have to seek it from our Embassy there. But for the moment, I don't have any specific update on that.
Sridhar, your query was regarding a committee that is...in fact, let me answer a couple of other questions. But the two are not related, so I wanted to clarify the issue. Yes, of course, we have seen the statement by some members of the U.S. Congress. In fact, I think I have it here. You mentioned that, you referred to the last part of it, whether they have...they said this would impact ties. As we have shared earlier, we take it seriously, the inputs that have been provided by the U.S. side. And a high-level enquiry committee has been constituted to look into all relevant aspects of the matter. This fact has also been noted by these members of Congress. And I don't have any further update to it. I certainly don't have any update on the committee or its timeline or its findings as of right now.
Pia, you referred to Nikhil Gupta's issue and whether Czech authorities...I am not sure what exactly you had in mind.
But Kadambini ka prashn detailed tha, dekhiye ismei...Nikhil Gupta wala case thoda legal issue hai, to main ye kehna chahunga ki ek Indian national Czech authorities ki hirasat mai hai aur usko America ki extradition ka anurodh jo hai woh pending hai unke system mai. Humain consular access mila hai, at least teen baar consular access hamain mila hai, aur jo bhi aavyakshyak consular sahayata pradan kar sakte hain hum kar rahe hain, jo woh mang rahe hain. Aur is vyakti ke ek pariwar ke sadasya ne mamle ko honorable Supreme Court mai yachika di thi, aur abhi mamla sub-judice hai isliye abhi is sabandh mai adhik tippani karna uchit nahi hoga. Isliye aapne jo pucha extradition ya supreme court main jo ho raha hai.
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] But Kadambini's question was a bit detailed. Look, the Nikhil Gupta case is a legal matter, so I would like to say that an Indian national is in the custody of Czech authorities, and the request for his extradition to the United States is pending in their system. We have been given counsular access at least three times, and we are providing the necessary consular assistance which we can and which is being requested. A member of this individual's family has filed a petition in the Honorable Supreme Court, and since the matter is currently sub-judice, it would not be appropriate to comment on it at this time. So you asked about extradition or what is happening in the Supreme Court.
Pia, your query was more on the element...as I said, this is a family member of this person, this individual has gone to our Supreme Court, and this is a process going on in Supreme Court, so I don't think it will be appropriate for us to comment on jurisdictions and issues. I think we will wait for what the Honorable Supreme Court has to say. I think in preliminary comment that we read, it said that it is...you know, they should approach the appropriate court, but again, till we see something, I don't want to comment on this aspect. As I just mentioned to Kadambini in Hindi, an Indian national is currently in the custody of Czech authorities, pending a request for extradition to the U.S. We have received consular access, atleast I am aware of at least three occasions. We are extending necessary consular assistance to the individual as per requirement. And one family member, as I mentioned, has approached the Honorable Supreme Court, which is a separate issue. So I think that addresses the queries that I received.
Srinjoy: Sir Srinjoy from Time Now. Sir, as far as Indians in Gaza were concerned, are there any left there? If they have all been taken out, can you tell us, give us some details about it?
Kallol: Kallol from The Hindu. I actually seek a clarification to your answer to Pia's question.
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Which one?
Kallol: The Israel related answer. I mean, just one and a half months ago, we had the Operation Ajay, airlifting Indian citizens out of Israel. The Ambassador of India was asking Indian citizens to be careful and remain safe at home and etc. And the Indians were seeking help on social media. And here you are saying that Indians do go abroad and work. I mean, I'm finding a lot of contradiction in your answer because I think when we had conflicts break out in Libya and Iraq and elsewhere, you asked Indians not to travel to those countries. So are you suggesting that Israel is just another country despite this conflict going on in Israel? And how can Indians be there and how can you actually ensure safety for them if they are there?
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Okay. I'll come with more detailed answer to you.
Shashank Mattoo: Shashank Mattoo with the Mint sir. Just a clarification on the question about the American-led task force. You had mentioned that there had been some communication. Has it been that there has been some discussion about it and not, let's say, a formal invitation? Just a little clarification on what that communication has been.
Madhurendra: Sir Madhurendra News Nation se. Mere bhi do sawal hain, pehla sawal ye hai ki, jo LAC ka area hai wahan par lagatar developments dekha ja raha hain, infrastructure development jo hain woh China ki taraf se kiye ja rahe hain. Latest jo satellite pictures hain woh bhi uski tasdik kar rahe hain. Jab ki hum ye dekh rahe hain ki lagbhag 20 rounds ki corps commander talks ho chuki hain, lagbhag 14-15 rounds ka WMCC talk ho chuka hain, lekin disengagement ki process mai kisi bhi tarah ka improvement humei nahi dikhai de raha hai.
[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Sir, Madhurendra from News Nation. I also have two questions. The first question is that continuous developments are being observed in the LAC region, and infrastructure development is being carried out by the Chinese side. The latest satellite images are also confirming this. Despite nearly 20 rounds of Corps Commander talks and around 14-15 rounds of WMCC talks, we do not see any improvement in the disengagement process.
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Ye aapka assessment hain na?
[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation]: This is your assessment?
Madhurendra: Ji. kyuki on ground nahi dikhai de raha hain, is bare mai koi release aapki taraf se bhi jari nahi kiya gaya hain. Toh kya ye mana jaye ki ab talks fail hone lage hain aur aage koi roadmap nahi dikhai de raha?
Dusra sawal Israel se juda hua hai ki Operation Ajay ke tahat jo students laye gaye the, usmai se almost jo data hai woh bata raha hai ki ninety percent students wapas ja chuke hain phir se Israel studies karne ke liye, kyuki universities band nahi hain aur unko leaves nahi mil rahe hain. Toh is bare mai bhi kuch add on kar sakte hain toh? Kallol's question...
[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Certainly. Because it is not visible on the ground, no release has been issued from your side also regarding this. So, can it be said that the talks are now failing, and there is no roadmap visible ahead?
The second question is related to Israel, that those students brought under Operation Ajay, the data is revealing that almost ninety percent of the students have returned to Israel to continue their studies because the universities are not closed, and they are not getting leaves. So, can you add something on this matter? Kallol's question...
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Kya kehna chahte hain? Nahi par aap chahte kya hain, mujhse kya chahte hain? Kallol ka question main answer karunga, aap kya janna chahte hain?
[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] What do you want to say? What do you want from me? I will answer Kallol's question, but what do you want to know?
Madhurendra: Main janna chahta hoon ki kya unko phir... Kya advisory jari ki gayi hai ya with the same advisory they are going back?
[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] I want to know that they...Has any advisory been issued, or are they going back with the same advisory?
Rishabh: Rishabh from Times Now. Sir, USCIRF is a body commissioned for international religious freedom, they have written to Biden administration last week saying that given the transnational killing of Nijjar in Canada and a plot to kill Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in US, India should be placed under country with particular concern. Sir, any statement on that?
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Srinjoy, as we mentioned, our earlier assessment was, there were about four Indian nationals in Gaza and their families, and there were about a dozen in total, the West Bank included. One of them certainly came out and was in Egypt, as you saw our Embassy tweet about it. I don't have an update the other three have come out. My understanding is that they're probably still in Gaza. We haven't received anything particular about them. We hope that they are safe. But since you've raised, we'll also recheck. But as of now, we haven't received any information that they have left.
Shashank, just to clarify, let me clarify what I'm saying. I'm saying this is a new initiative, so I'll have to get back to you as soon as I have something to convey. I don't have a clarity. That's why I don't have a clarity whether there is...exactly the question that you're asking. We'll get back if there is an update on this issue. But certainly, as we have said, we value the free movement of commercial shipping, and we have been part of efforts to ensure free passage or transit of ships in the Arabian Sea.
Madhurendra ji aapka pehla prashn, mujhe pata nahi kis tarah se jawab dena chahiye. Main aapse sehmat nahi hoon ki talks poora fail hua hai, hamare talks jaari hain, WMCC mai bhi aur hamare corps commander level par bhi jaari hain. Jab tak hum jo chahte hain woh nahi ho pata hai tab tak talks chalengi. Toh ismai main abhi koi decision nahi lena chahunga ki map mai ye dikhaya gaya hai, maine dekha nahi aisa koi map jismai dikhaya gaya hai, koi bahot fark pada hain. Hamari jo position hai woh rahi hai aur isi baat pe hum baat kar rahe hain unse, taki jo hamari demands hain aur hamare purspectives hain usmai puri tarah hum safal ho paye.
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Madhurendra ji, regarding your first question, I don't know how to respond. I do not agree that talks have failed; our talks are ongoing, both in the WMCC and at the Corps Commander level too. Talks will continue until we achieve what we desire. I don't want to make any decisions based on what is shown on a map; I haven't seen any map that indicates such, any significant difference. Our position remains the same, and we are in discussion with them so that whatever our demands and perspectives are, we succeed in it completely.
Israel, first of all let me explain. We have issued advisory, that advisory stands. But as you know that of about 18,000 or so, Indians that we estimated, we only got about 1,300 or so came back, so others did not. And this was not an advice that everybody has to leave. Those who wanted to leave, we assisted them to come out.
Madhurendra ji aap puch rahe the ki kuch log chale gaye hain wapas, students, unse baat karni padegi. Par hamari advisory jari hai, par agar koi jana chahta hai, aur wahan hai toh hum unko jabardasti toh nahi la rahe hain abhi.
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Madhurendra ji, you were asking about some people, students who have returned. We will need to talk to them. Our advisory still stands, but if someone wants to go and is there, we are not forcibly bringing them back.
As regards, Kallol, your query or your comment that this is related to the jobs issue, as I said let me go back to what we said in Parliament, which is that we have had no such discussions on replacing Palestinian labourers with Indian workers. But again if Indian workers do go, we haven't issued advisory saying you cannot go there, this is not... some countries have issued such advisory. Advisories are issued based on the threat assessment and they are graded, there is not a common one. And we haven't said that you cannot go, and there are enough Indians already there.
Kallol: Is it safe?
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Well they are there and we have issued advisory, I would not like to go beyond that, you know, safe, not safe; somebody gets injured if he is still there, you will hold me responsible, is not a good line to go. So we have issued advisory, I would urge everyone to follow that, and also mention that there are Indian citizens currently in Israel.
Aapka prashna bhi isi tarah, jaisa ki maine kaha ki hamari advisory laagu hai, jo hamne issue kiya tha, us samay jari ki thi.
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Your question is also on the same line. As I mentioned, our advisory is in effect, which was issued at that time.
USCIRF...look I mentioned to you about the enquiry committee and the comments on that issue, on the specific issue, and that once a committee is there, we will look into what it says. But meanwhile as regards USCIRF, look, you are all aware of their motivated and biased approach towards India. We have seen it a number of times in the past, I would therefore not like to give their comments any particular weight or consideration. So I will leave it at that.
Thank you very much. Thanks for joining us.
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