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Transcript of Weekly Media Briefing by the Official Spokesperson (January 18, 2024)

India - Ministry of External Affairs

January 18, 2024

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Good afternoon friends. Welcome to this Press engagement. I do not have any announcement to make, so we will straight away go in for question and answers. So the floor is open.

Umashankar: Kal hamne aapka statement dekha jismai Pakistan mai Iran ke hamle par kaha gaya hai ki Bharat ki zero tolerance ki neeti hai, aur hum jaante hain aatmaraksha ke liye kai desh karyawahi karte hain. Thoda sa ispe agar roshni daalain ki...aatmaraksha mai ki gayi karyawahi, kya hum endorse kar rahe hain Iran ke Pakistan par hamle ko?

[Question in Hindi: Approximate Translation] Yesterday, we saw your statement on the attacks by Iran in Pakistan, stating that India follows a policy of zero tolerance and we understand that many countries take action for self-defense. If you can throw light on this line...the actions taken for self-defense, are we endorsing the attack by Iran in Pakistan?

Kadambini Sharma: Kadambini Sharma from NDTV. Kal aapne jo Iran ne attack kiya tha Pakistan ke andar terrorist hideouts par uspe jo statement diya tha, aaj jo Pakistan ne retaliation mai kiya hai us par koi statement hai?

[Question in Hindi: Approximate Translation] Kadambini Sharma from NDTV. Yesterday, you issued a statement on Iran's attack on terrorist hideouts inside Pakistan, is there any statement today on what Pakistan has done in retaliation?

Sidhant: Sir, we have seen the situation in Maldives. We have seen comments by the Maldivian President and a deadline also of 15th of March for Indian troops to leave. What's India's assessment on the developments coming from Maldives?

Parikshit: Sir, in the light of what has happened between Iran and Pakistan, do you see any correlation with the drone attacks that had taken place in the Indian Ocean region? Was any kind of evidence related to the drone attacks, the origin, shared with the Iranian Foreign Minister when External Affairs Minister Jaishankar travelled there?

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: So first we will take these questions and then we will come back for more.

Umashankar ji aapka jahan tak sawal hai Pakistan ko le ke, Iran ko le ke, kal jo hua; usmain hum logon ne apni Press Release jaari ki thi, usmai hum logon ne kaha tha ki ye mamla toh waise Pakistan aur Iran ka hai, lekin jahan tak aatankvaad ka sawal hai, wahan par hum logon ne apni baat ki pushti ki hai. Toh main yahi par, is baat ko yahi khatam karna chahunga.

[Answer in Hindi: Approximate Translation] Umashankar ji, as far as your question regarding Pakistan and Iran is concerned, about what happened yesterday; we had issued our Press Release, in which we said that this is a matter between Pakistan and Iran, but when it comes to the issue of terrorism, we have reiterated our position. So, I would like to leave it at this.

Kadambini ji ye jo Pakistan ka mamla hai, Iran ka mamla hai; ispe hum log koi comment dena nahi chahte hain, ye unka apna mamla hai.

[Answer in Hindi: Approximate Translation] Kadambini ji, regarding the matter concerning Pakistan, and Iran; we would not like to make any comments. This is their matter.

Regarding Maldives, Sidhant, you would have seen that on 14th, we had a meeting of the Core Group. In the Core Group, we had detailed discussions on several aspects of the bilateral relationship. We also made available what was discussed in the meeting through a Press Release, and then in that Press Release, we mentioned that both sides held discussions on finding mutually workable solution to enable continued operation of Indian aviation platforms that provide humanitarian and medvac services to the people of Maldives. The next meeting is to be held in India to take discussion forward. So that is where the situation as far as Maldives is concerned is.

Parikshit, on your question in regard to what's happening in the Red Sea area, we have made our position very clear. It's a matter of concern to us. We give a lot of importance to freedom of navigation and freedom of commerce in that region. Whatever is happening there not just impacts us, but impacts the economic interests and several other interests of so many people across the world. So that is where we are. We are closely monitoring the situation and looking at the unfolding situation with a constant watch.

Ayushi Agarwal: Sir, this is Ayushi Agarwal from ANI. I wanted to follow up on Maldives. I just wanted to know, has India received a formal request by Male when it comes to the withdrawal of Indian personnel, because we saw the press release, it did not mention about the withdrawal of Indian military personnel, but the Maldives' press release mentioned about that. So if you can talk about that? Also there were reports that Maldivian President Muizzu wanted to travel to India last year, but he was still waiting for a confirmation from Indian side, if you can tell us something about that as well?

Yeshi Seli: Yeshi Seli from the New Indian Express. Last Sunday, on the 14th of January, India got another consular access with the eight Indian naval veterans in Qatar. What's the update? When is the next date of hearing?

Pia: Pia with the Print. The Palestine Ambassador to India has told certain sections of Indian media that he hopes India supports South Africa's case against Israel at the International Court of Justice. Just wanted to know, what is India's stance on this case? Are we supporting South Africa's case against Israel? Thank you.

Srinjoy: Sir, three drones are with the armed forces, the ones that hit certain ships and they have been examined. Can you tell us what the origin of the drones are, who has manufactured these drones, who gave it to the Houthis, if they have actually fired them? Do we have details on origin and the people who fired them? Do we know it for sure?

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: So let me answer these questions and then we will come back for more.

Ayushi, regarding your question on Maldives, whatever was discussed was put out in the press release. That is where the situation actually stands. It is an ongoing process. As I told you, both sides held discussions on finding mutually workable solutions, so you must look at that, to enable continued operation of Indian aviation platforms that provide humanitarian and medvac services to the people of Maldives. And this is an ongoing discussion, so things will go forward or things will be discussed in the next meeting of the Core Group subsequently, soon.

Yeshi, regarding the consular access, yes, our Ambassador along with our Embassy officials met the eight detained. As we had conveyed to you last time, the legal team is looking into the appeal aspect. There is a period of 60 days within which they have to file this appeal. So on 28th December, the Court of Appeal had given their verdict. Now the matter is to go to the Court of Cassation, which will be decided by the legal team. So that is where it is. We still have some time. In the consular access we had, our Ambassador went and met, and looked after their well-being, and that is where it is.

Pia, on your question regarding...does India support South Africa's case against Israel? Look, our position on Israel-Gaza issue has been very clearly articulated on multiple occasions. Our position on the conflict, the Israel-Hamas conflict is...it has been consistent and steadfast. We have condemned terrorism, we have called for release of hostages, we have sought protection of civilians and we have also provided...we have called for provision of humanitarian assistance and of course we stand for a long-term two-state solution. So this is India's position and this is the position that we support.

Srinjoy, the question regarding drones etc., we do not have...this is what we are hearing from you, but this is something that does not pertain to the Ministry of External Affairs. So I don't have any comments to offer at this point of time. These are very specific issues. I would say that if you could take these questions to the relevant Ministries or relevant departments. Thank you.

Samira Hussain: Samira Hussain with the BBC. I'm wondering about the Minister's visit to Iran. It was said that he did raise the issue of the Red Sea with Iran. What specifically was requested and has there been discussions about, let's say, sparing Indian ships or Indian vessels; and whether or not there are ongoing discussions happening in the background with regards to protecting India's economic interests in the area?

Emerson: Good afternoon. Mera naam Emerson hai (my name is Emerson). I'm from Taiwan Central News Agency. Taiwan just concluded its Presidential election last week. So may I know India's reaction or view on the election result, its possible impact on the region and the prospect of India-Taiwan relations in various fields. Thank you.

Suhasini Haidar: This is Suhasini Haidar from The Hindu newspaper. Just following up on a story the Hindu had actually done. This week, we have seen Haryana and next week I think its Uttar Pradesh beginning, screening of Indians wishing to travel to Israel to take up labour jobs over there. My question is, is the Ministry of External Affairs that has a list of Emigration Check Required countries of 18, which include the Gulf, they include Thailand, Indonesia, anywhere where there's either a conflict or labour standards are not quite up to India standards; is there any proposal by the MEA to add Israel to that ECR list, given that the conflict in Israel still continues and these workers may be going into dangerous areas?

Vineet Dixit: Vineet Dixit from NewsGate. Sir, hamara sawal hai ki jo India ka West Asia Economic aur Europe wala corridor hai uske implementation mai... halaki woh hamara dusra route hai, Suez Canal wala nahi hai, par jo West Asia mai uthapatak chal rahi hai, uspe kahin aanch toh nahi aa rahi? Woh economic corridor jo BRI ke competitive nature ka hai, woh abhi safeguard hai? Sare economic interest hamare safeguard hai? What is the assessment?

[Question in Hindi: Approximate Translation] Vineet Dixit from Newsgate. Sir, my question is regarding the implementation of the West Asia Economic Corridor connecting India, West Asia and Europe. Although our route is different and not the one through the Suez Canal; but given the ongoing developments in West Asia, is there any threat to it? The economic corridor, which is considered of having competitive nature to the BRI, is it currently secure? Are all our economic interests safeguarded? What is the assessment?

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Sawal ek baar phir se dohrayenge?

[Question in Hindi: Approximate Translation] Can you repeat the question?

Vineet Dixit: Jo India-West Asia Economic Corridor hai, halaki hum log Suez Canal wala route nahi istemaal kar rahe hain, par jo bhi uthapatak, jo bhi harkatain waha ho rahi hain, jaise incidences aa rahe hain, uske chalte hamare jo route pe koi aanch toh nahi aa rahi, hamare economic interest, jo hum log abhi safeguard kar rahe hain, Haifa port hum logon ne abhi develop karna shuru kar diya hai, so how safe is our investment there in this area and whatever is happening in West Asia, is it going to adversely affect? What is the assessment, what would you like to say?

[Question in Hindi: Approximate Translation] The India-West Asia Economic Corridor, although we are not using the Suez Canal route, but given the developments, activities and incidents taking place there, is there any threat to our route? Our economic interests, which we are currently safeguarding, we have started developing the Haifa port recently, so how safe is our investment in this area? And whatever is happening in West Asia, is it going to adversely affect? What is the assessment, what would you like to say?

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay. Let me take these questions and then we will come back for more.

On the question of Red Sea and discussion in Iran when External Affairs Minister had visited, you would have seen, he made a detailed Joint Press Statement while he was there. This issue of Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, the violence there, the destabilized nature of things there was discussed and we are deeply concerned about the whole situation. It does impact not just us, but it's an important shipping lane, for not just India but for the world. So we have our own interests there which are being impacted; but at the same time, we have Indian Navy which is patrolling the area. They're trying to secure the sea lanes and do their best so that our economic interests are not impacted.

Emerson, on Taiwan, our position is that we have taken note of the recent developments in Taiwan. India has strong and growing people-to-people ties, cultural, educational, trade and investment links with Taiwan. Government of India facilitates these exchanges and looks forward to continuing them for shared prosperity and development.

Suhasini, regarding your question on labour mobility, we have labour mobility partnerships with several countries across the world, and we have an agreement now with Israel as well. The agreement itself started long before the conflict erupted. We concluded it, initiated it much before. The idea behind this agreement was that we put in place an institutional mechanism which regulates migration to that country. We already have a large number of people, especially in the caregiving sector in Israel and through this agreement, we want to ensure that there is regulated migration and the rights of the people who go there are protected. Insofar as the question of whether putting Israel on the list of ECR countries so that, you know, they come and emigrate is concerned, let me tell you that labour laws in Israel are very strict, robust. It's an OECD country, therefore labour laws are such that it provides for protection of migrant rights, labor rights. On our part, of course, we are very conscious of our responsibility to provide security and safety to our people who are abroad. When the conflict erupted in Israel, you saw that we launched Operation Ajay so that we could evacuate all those people who wanted to come back from there. Having said that, we remain committed to safe and legal mobility and migration of our people.

Vineet ji aapka sawal khaadi ko le kar hai, aapka sawal lal sagar ko le kar hai, ye toh chintajanak baat hai jo wahan ho rahi hai, aur isse hamare jo aarthik interest hain us par fark padta hai. Ye khaadi ka keshtra jo hai, isse duniya ke ek mahatvapurna...ek commercial line hai, shipping line hai, sea lane hai. Toh waha jo gatividhi chal rahi hai woh chintajanak hai aur hum log is par nirantar apni najar banaye hue hai. Aur hamare jo apne nausena bal ke log, nausena bal ke jahaj hain, wo jo bhi waha humare commercial vessels chalte hai, usko kis prakar surakshit kare us par hum log kaam kar rahe hain, aur waha lage hue hain.

[Answer in Hindi: Approximate Translation] Vineet ji, your question is regarding the issue of Gulf, the Red Sea; the ongoing activities there are indeed a matter of concern, and it affects our economic interests. An important commercial route, a shipping line, sea lane of the world, passes through this Gulf region. So, the ongoing developments there are matter of concern, and we are consistently monitoring the situation. Our naval forces, naval vessels are engaged in ensuring the safety of our commercial vessels passing from there.

Krishn Kaushik: Hi Sir, Krishn Kaushik from Reuters. Sir, my question is about Iran again. You have mentioned the larger maritime security aspect that was discussed during the meeting. What I want to ask is, did the EAM specifically raise the issue of the two ships that were attacked close to India's EEZ during his conversation in Iran, because one more ship was attacked yesterday again which was supposed to be headed towards India. So were these issues specifically addressed in the meeting?

Nayanima: Nayanima from ABP Live. If you can give us an assessment as to what is happening to India's projects that are going on in Maldives, do you foresee any hurdles in executing them? Thank you.

Shubhajyoti: Yeah, Shubhajyoti from BBC News. My question is on Bangladesh. There are reports of attacks on minority Hindu community in several places of the country, and that happened immediately after the election. Would you like to make any comments, Sir?

Ganesh: My name is Ganesh. I'm from BBC News Marathi. I have a question regarding World Economic Forum Summit taking place in Davos, Switzerland. Sir, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Eknath Shinde, along with his delegation, is attending the Summit; but the opposition leader, Shri Aditya Thackeray, has accused Shinde of taking a large delegation of around 35 people. Thackeray has raised questions about whether the Ministry of External Affairs has granted political clearance to all these 35 people to attend the Summit. If not, then for how many people MEA has granted the clearance, and what is the criteria to give political clearance to State governments while attending international events? Thank you.

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Kaushik, to your question regarding the matter being raised specifically or not, you see, all aspects of regional importance and global importance were discussed. Maritime security, what's happening in Red Sea area, what's happening with the security of the area, obviously they were discussed. It is very difficult to say that, you know, these specific things were discussed or not. I don't know. But all aspects of mutual concern to both countries were discussed.

Nayanima regarding the projects in Maldives, obviously, the Core Group meeting happened on 14th. On our part, we remain committed to our projects to take them forward. We have been an important development partner of Maldives. We remain committed to doing all things that we can do as a development partner of Maldives, in keeping with their priorities. So that is where I leave it.

Shubhajyoti, your question was regarding Bangladesh. Elections were held recently. The verdict came out. People of Bangladesh voted in a particular fashion. Prime Minister congratulated Sheikh Hasina on the victory. As far as law and order is concerned, these are issues that pertain to Bangladesh, it is for them to take things in their stride.

Ganesh, your question regarding delegation to Davos; now, you know, when we have State governments and other government people going abroad, obviously, political clearance is given by the Ministry of External Affairs.

Akhilesh Suman: Sir, I am Akhilesh Suman. On 22nd of January, there is an inauguration of Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Can you give us any idea that whether you have invited any foreign dignitary? And is there any arrangement in Indian Embassies or Missions all over the world to show that ceremony live?

Megha: Hi, I am Megha from NewsX and my question is, amidst these multiple attacks that have happened in the Gulf of Aden or even in the Indian Ocean or the Arabian Sea, are there any restrictions or SOPs that the Ministry of External Affairs has issued to the Indian nationals who are aboard these ships? Second of all, are these rescue measures or counter-attack measures with Destroyers being sent to Gulf of Aden or other parts of the Indian Ocean region, restricted to vessels that contain Indian nationals only?

Speaker 1: My question is that at the invitation of EAM, Bangladesh Foreign Minister is visiting India on 7th February, just after one month, the general election is over in Bangladesh. So my question is whether any specific agenda you have or it's a routine bilateral visit, because just he has been appointed one month or a few days ago rather?

Manas: This is Manas Pratim Bhuyan from PTI. I would like to ask you about India's overall assessment of the current scenario arising out of Iran's attack on Pakistan and then Pakistan's counter-attack actually. Your reaction was yesterday's reaction. But how do you see today's situation, Pakistan again retaliating the Iranian attack and it comes against the backdrop of the very volatile situation in the Red Sea. I mean, there have been global concerns about what is happening in the Red Sea and then now we have the attacks and counter-attacks between Iran and Pakistan. So how do you see this scenario? And just a little clarification, did you say that Indian Navy is also carrying out patrols in the Red Sea? And related, not related... but on Maldives actually, when you say, we are working on a mutually workable solution. So, are we suggesting that in fact some portion of our troops would stay back or what kind of mutually workable solution that we are looking at?

Jayprakash: Sir, Jayprakash Dainik Jagran se. Sir, jo Iran aur Pakistan mai jo bhi abhi issue hain usmai jin aatankwadi sangthano ke naam aa rahe hain; BLF, BLA ya Jaish ul-Adl, isko lekar Bharat ka aadhikarik position kya hai?

[Question in Hindi: Approximate Translation] Sir, Jayprakash from Dainik Jagran. Sir, in the current issue between Iran and Pakistan, the names of terrorist organizations such as BLF, BLA, or Jaish ul-Adl are coming up. What is India's official position on it?

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Akhilesh ji aapka sawal Ayodhya ko leke tha. Iske baare hum logon ne pahle hi bataya tha, ki Ayodhya ka jo karyakram hai, uske host wahan ke Trust hai. Toh kaun videsh se aa raha hai, nahi aa raha hai, unko jyada pata hoga aur unka ye aadhikarik keshtra hai, ki usme kinko bulaye ya nahi bulaye. Jahan tak videsho mai isko dikhane ki baat hai, uspe bhi main yehi kehna chahunga, ki ye jo karykram hai, Trust jo hai isko organize kar raha hai, aur main yahi par baat ko rakhna chahta hoon.

[Answer in Hindi: Approximate Translation] Akhilesh ji, your question was regarding Ayodhya. We have already stated that the programme in Ayodhya is being hosted by the Trust there, so they would have more information about who is coming from abroad or not, and it is their official domain to decide whom to invite. Regarding the question of showcasing it abroad, I would like to say the same, the Trust is organizing the programme, and I would like to reiterate that.

Megha, your question was regarding... could you repeat once again, your questions?

Megha: The Indian nationals who are traveling, who are sailing on these merchant vessels, are there any restrictions that are going to be imposed by the MEA or SOPs and guidelines be given to them, because their life is at risk? Second of all, the number of patrol ships, the Destroyers that at this point of time are navigating the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden from the Indian side, from the Indian Navy side; are we only responding to rescue calls of merchant ships that contain Indian nationals?

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: So, to answer your question, you know, Indian Navy is doing patrolling in the region to secure the lanes. They are there to protect Indian shipping lines, of course. But at the same time, today also there was a report that they reached out to a ship that had a flag of some other country. So, they are also providing support to ships of other countries as well. That is where it is. On the question of advisory, this is a very technical, very specific issue. I don't have any update on that, so I'll come back to you subsequently.

Megha: [inaudible] has been rescued or a clarion call has gone out to the Indian Navy. They have all contained Indian nationals. Indian nationals were aboard in all those specific incidents.

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: I don't have very specific details in regard to that; but obviously, they have responded to several calls.

Gautam ji, your question regarding visit of Foreign Minister of Bangladesh; on our part, of course, these visits, any such visits we announce at an appropriate time, when the time comes. We have seen some reports in that regard. So, you'll come to know more about the details etc., as we come closer to the date.

Manas, regarding your question on Pakistan-Iran, Iran-Pakistan; yesterday we gave a statement which was very clear what our position is on that particular issue, our position on terrorism. And on the question of today's Pakistan's strikes, we don't want to make any comment. What is your question on Maldives?

Manas: [Inaudible]

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: As I told you, first Core Group meeting happened on 14th. The second meeting is to happen soon, hopefully, in India. These are discussions which are ongoing. We should not prejudge the outcome of it. So, hopefully, both sides will come to some sort of understanding.

Jayprakash ji aapka sawal wahi Iran-Pakistan ko lekar tha. Toh usmai ye hai ki jo hum logon ne kaha hai, kal ki humne jo press vigyapti nikali thi, usmai jo kaha hai, wahi hamara position hai. Uske aage main koi comment karna nahi chahunga is mudde pe.

[Answer in Hindi: Approximate Translation] Jayprakash ji, your question was regarding Iran-Pakistan. In this regard, our position remains what was stated in the Press Release we had issued yesterday. I would not like to make any further comments on this matter.

Abhishek Jha: Hi, Sir I am Abhishek Jha from CNN News18. My question is regarding this BRICS expansion. Sergey Lavrov, the Russian Foreign Minister has said that 30 more countries are interested in having membership of this organization. And Pakistan has also expressed its interest in the past to join this organization. Your take on both, expansion of the BRICS and of Pakistan's keenness on being member?

Amiti Sen: Hi, Sir. Sir, I'm Amiti Sen. I work for the Hindu Business Line. So, on the Red Sea crisis, you said that India is doing its best to secure its trade sea routes. So, to my understanding, our Navy operates only in the Arabian Sea, right? So, in the Red Sea, are we hoping that this US-led coalition, it would somehow, like, it would basically look after our cargo, whatever goes through that route, or are we now just focusing on the Cape of Good Hope and are not thinking of using the Red Sea for the time being?

Sudhi Ranjan: Sir, Sudhi Rajan from Bloomberg. Associated question with Amiti, Sir. I mean, we have our Navy operating in the Arabian Sea and the multinational force in the Red Sea. We did not, kind of, openly, or join them. We were operating on our own. Given that these attacks are increasing, are there any institutional level talks between the US, UK and India on this, if you could give us an understanding, Sir?

Manish Jha: Ji main Manish Jha bol raha hoon TV9 Bharatvarsh se. Mera sawal President Macron ki visit ko lekar hai. I am sure ki us par aap alag se briefing jarur karenge. Lekin bahot saari suchnaye jo sources ke base par aa rahi hain ki President Macron Jaipur land karenge, Shahi palace mai unka swagat hoga, Prime Minister waha rahenge. Agar aap kuch share kar sake ki kya is baar Jaipur mai dono netaon ki meeting hogi aur phir wahin par unka roadshow bhi hoga. Thank you.

[Question in Hindi: Approximate Translation] This is Manish Jha speaking for TV9 Bharatvarsh. My question is regarding President Macron's visit. I am sure you will do a separate briefing on that. However, a lot of information based on sources is coming in, that President Macron will land in Jaipur, will be accorded a royal welcome at the Royal Palace, and the Prime Minister will be present there. If you can share any details on whether there will be a meeting of both leaders in Jaipur followed by their roadshow there. Thank you.

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Toh Manish sabse pahle main aapke sawal ka jawab dena chahunga. President Macron ka Bharat mai intezar hai, lekin unke program ka kya swaroop hai woh abhi tay nahi hua hai. Jab tay hoga toh aapko bataya jayega, aapse saajha kiya jayega.

[Answer in Hindi: Approximate Translation] So Manish, first I would like to answer your question. India is awaiting President Macron, but the details of his schedule have not been finalized yet. Once it is finalized, it will be shared with you.

Sudhi regarding your question on Arabian Sea and Red Sea, what's happening; our position has been very clear. We are looking at the unfolding situation there, we are concerned about what's happening, deterioration in the security situation. Our Navy vessels, Navy ships are there, patrolling the area and they are trying to do their best to secure the Indian shipping lines and also giving support to others. So that is where we are, we are looking the unfolding situation. We are not part of any multilateral arrangement as of now.

Abhishek, your question was on BRICS expansion. As you know, the last BRICS Summit was held in Johannesburg, where six members were admitted. There is established procedure in the BRICS system of working on how to get more members to join. It is a matter which the Group decides. It is a matter which is for the BRICS member countries to take forward. Who becomes a member, when it becomes a member, is a question which the established procedure will be...I mean, the BRICS member countries will be looking at, as and when the time comes.

The question from the Hindu was on similar lines as Sudhi's, so I hope it answers your question as well.

Amiti Sen: [Inaudible] so would you want that for the time being only the Cape of Good Hope be used and the Red Sea be avoided?

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: See the situation is precarious, is risky in the Red Sea area, this area. I understand that there are international shipping lines which are taking the Cape of Good Hope. Obviously, it is impacting the flow of commerce, it's delaying commerce. It is impacting interests of people across the world. It is impacting availability of products and services, delaying things; so that is where it is. But Cape of Good Hope route is open for anybody and everybody who wants to use it. The situation is a little risky in this part, closer to Red Sea, closer to the Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, etc.

Huma Siddiqui: Sir, I am Huma Siddiqui from the Financial Express. There are reports that the UNGA President is coming, so what would be...would the situation in the Red sea be discussed with him? And South Africa set to file a case against US and UK regarding the Israel conflict.

Samira: I just want to follow up on the question from one of my colleagues here, with regards to whether or not India is going to be joining any kind of coalition in the Red Sea? You said that, right now, India is not part of any coalition as of now. Does that mean that there are conversations happening of joining some sort of coalition, is this being discussed at all?

Pia: Sir, just a clarification. Did the Indian government receive any communication from the Muizzu government last year about a potential State visit? Just a yes or no will be greatly appreciated.

Vineet Dixit: Sir, couple of days back, there was a news report that Indian Army has given medals of valor to two reported incidents along the Line of Actual Control. 7 January ko aur 27 November 2022 ko ye do incidents hue aur inke gallantry awards diye gaye abhi 2-3 din pahle. Galwan ke baad ye do bade incidents hue hain, unke baare mai bahot kam jankari hai, hamare jawano ne bade acche se... hum logon ne kya protest kiya formally China ko, aur ispe kuch prakash dalenge Sir?

[Question in Hindi: Approximate Translation] Sir, couple of days back, there was a news report that Indian Army has given medals of valor to two reported incidents along the Line of Actual Control. These two incidents happened on 7th January and 27th November 2022 and gallantry awards were given just 2-3 days ago. These two significant incidents happened post the Galwan incident, and there is very limited information about them. Our soldiers have done exceptionally well... have we protested with China formally? Can you throw some light on this, Sir?

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: So Huma, regarding the visit of the President of the UN General Assembly, that visit will be announced as and when we get more details. Obviously, the agenda of the visit also will be known to you or will be shared at an appropriate time.

Samira, regarding your question, look, the situation in the region, Red Sea and Gulf of Aden; we have seen all that has happened, all that is happening. We are keeping a close watch at the unfolding situation. That is where I would like to leave it.

Pia regarding the visit that you asked, you know, both India and Maldives we've remain engaged always to facilitate high level engagements, whenever high level engagements are in the offing with a constructive agenda on mutually convenient dates and timelines. So, I would leave it at that. Both sides remain engaged to facilitate high level engagements with a constructive agenda on mutually convenient timelines.

Vineet, jahan tak China ka sawal hai, pichle bhi presser mai humne kaha tha ki hamare relations jo hain, woh normal nahi hain, hamare videsh mantri ne ye kaha hai ki ye normal nahi hain. Aur do tarike se... jo hum chahte hain ki jo border areas pe shanti ka mahaul bane, iske liye hum logon ne do tarike se pahal kiya hai. Ek hai ki military to military level par batchit chal rahi hai, aur dusra hai ki rajnaik level pe batchit chal rahi hai, diplomatic level pe batchit chal rahi hai. October ke mahine mai pichle saal aur November ke mahine mai pichle saal, hum logon ne ye batchit ki; taki hum log, aane wale dino mai ye meetings aur aage jayengi aur dekha jayega kis prakar se hum log sthiti ki behtar kar sakte hain. Toh main is sawal ko yahin par rakhna chaunga, vishesh tippani nahi dena chahunga, jo aapne specific baatain kahin.

[Answer in Hindi: Approximate Translation] Vinit, regarding the question about China, in the last presser also, we had said this, that our relations with China are not normal. Our External Affairs Minister has made it clear that relations are not normal. To ensure peace in the border areas, we have taken initiative in two ways. One is the talks at the military to military level and the second is the talks at the political, diplomatic level. In the months of October and November last year, we had these talks to take things forward in the coming days, and see how to improve the situation. So, I would like to leave it at that and not provide specific comments on the details you mentioned.

Speaker 2: Can you repeat the answer in English please?

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: On India-China relations, we have made ourselves...in the last presser also, this question had come up. Our External Affairs Minister has made it clear that the relations are not normal. Presently, we are engaged both diplomatically and militarily. We have talks at the military to military level and at the diplomatic level. In the months of October and November last year, we had these talks to take things forward. We will have the next round of Military and diplomatic talks later as and when both sides agree to convene them. So that is where we are.

Preeti: I am Preeti, independent journalist. Sri Lankan Navy has captured 18 Indian fishermen along with two trawlers. Any reaction from the MEA?

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: I am not aware of this particular incident, but I can share with you more details as I get them. Good that you have brought to my attention. I will check and revert back to you.

So with that, we can conclude the press engagement. We look forward to having more discussion with you subsequently.