Transcript of Weekly Media Briefing by the Official Spokesperson (June 21, 2024)
India - Ministry of External Affairs
June 21, 2024
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Namaskar, good afternoon friends. Let's begin this Press engagement. Today happens to be 21st June, so Happy International Day of Yoga. I did perform yoga in the morning, participated in the yoga celebration here at the Ministry of External Affairs and there is yoga all over the world today. Anyway, Happy International Day of Yoga to all of you. Let's begin the session. With that I open the floor.
Yeshi: This is Yeshi Seli from The New Indian Express. I have two questions. One is what is the death toll of Indians in the Haj and also there is this French journalist who said that his visa has not been extended and he had to leave after 13 years. Any clarity on what happened?
Kadambini: Kadambini Sharma from NDTV. Sir hamara sawal yahi hai ki exact number jo Haj mei Bhartiya maare gaye hain unka kya hai, aur kis prakar se yahan par unke pariwaron ko assist kiya ja raha hai MEA ki taraf se ya sarkar ki taraf se?
[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Kadambini Sharma from NDTV. Sir, our question is that what is the exact number of Indians who have died during Haj and how are their families here being assisted by the Ministry of External Affairs or the Government?
Madhurendra: Sir Madhurendra, main News Nation se. Main janna chahta hoon ki Galwan ke chaar saal beet chuke hain, is beech disengagement ka process jo hai woh as it is ruka hua hai, kya us par koi update hai, back channel se India aur China ke bich kuch batchit aur koi hum naya breakthrough dekh sakte hain aanewale dinon mei?
[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Sir, I am Madhurendra from News Nation. I want to know that four years have passed since Galwan incident, and the disengagement process has been stalled. Is there any update on this? Is there any back-channel communication going on between India and China, and can we expect any new breakthrough in the coming days?
Sidhant: Sir, Sidhant from WION. My question is on the Canadian Parliament, they honoring Nijjar, who is a listed terrorist here in India. Your reaction? And my second question is on China. There have been reports of China keen on the direct plane service. What has been the Indian reaction on that?
Krishn: Hi sir, this is Krishn Kaushik from Reuters. There was a delegation of US lawmakers recently that met the Dalai Lama. I wanted to check if India has any comment on that.
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Any more questions on the US delegation, so that we can all answer it together?
Speaker: Khaas taur pe sir aapka dhyan China ki taraf se aane wale bayanon ki taraf khichna chahunga, jismei unhone jo core interests hain china ke uska dhyan rakhne ke liye America ko kaha hai, aur aise mei jab ki wahan Dharamshala mei Bhartiya Videsh Mantralaya ki taraf se ya hamari sarkar ki taraf se koi maujood nahi tha, kya jo bayaan hai Nancy Pelosi ke unse Bharat apne aap ko disassociate karta hai?
[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Sir, I would specifically like to draw your attention to the statements coming from China, where they have asked America to consider China's core interests. In this context, when there was no representation from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs or our Government there in Dharamshala, does India disassociate itself from the statements made by Nancy Pelosi?
Rishabh: Good evening sir. Rishabh from Times Now. Sir, the Congressional delegation also met External Affairs Minister as well as the Prime Minister. If we can have details on what was discussed and also India's stand on the statements made by Nancy Pelosi, the former speaker of US Congress.
Sudhi: Sir Sudhi Ranjan from Bloomberg, sir. We have seen the American delegation's statements in Dharamshala, saying that US policy on China has changed, and the bill, kind of, shows that there is a distinct change in US policy. What is India's policy towards China? Does 'One China' policy still stand?
Manash: Good evening, Manash from PTI. Dalai Lama's succession is becoming an important geopolitical issue. Almost all the major powers have spoken about their position, including US. So, what is India's position on Dalai Lama's succession? Thank you.
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: With that, we have rounded up the questions on the visit of the US Congressional delegation, I hope.
Let me begin first with answers to the question on US delegation which visited Delhi and Dharamshala recently. It was a seven-member Congressional delegation which visited India from 16th to 20th. It was led by the Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Representative Michael McCaul. They visited Dharamshala, as you know, on 18th and 19th, and thereafter they also had a call on the Prime Minister. They also met with the External Affairs Minister, and the Commerce and Industry Minister. Various aspects of India-US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership were discussed in the meetings with the Prime Minister and with the External Affairs and Commerce Ministers. More on that, you would have seen there is a Press Release also which was issued after the call on the Prime Minister. So, I will refer you to that.
As far as the question of Dalai Lama is concerned, I would like to reiterate what our position is. The Government of India's position on His Holiness the Dalai Lama has been very clear and consistent. He is a revered religious leader and is deeply respected by the people of India. His Holiness is accorded due courtesies and freedom to conduct his religious and spiritual activities. As regard the statements made by the US Delegation, I would say that you take your questions to them because they will be in a better position to answer as to what they mean by it and it is for them to answer these questions.
So with that, I will come to other questions. Yeshi, to begin with yours, death toll in Haj, large number of Indian pilgrims visit Haj every year. This year, 1,75,000 Indian pilgrims have visited Haj so far. The core Haj period is from, I think, May 9th to 22nd of July. So far, we have lost or there are 98 Indian pilgrims who have died in Haj. Let me get the figures right, please. I was talking about... each year, we have a large number of Indians visiting Haj for pilgrimage. This year, we have 1,75,000 Indians who have already visited Haj. The core Haj period is from 9th May to 22nd of July and so far we have lost 98 of our citizens. These deaths have happened on account of natural illness, natural causes, chronic illness, as also old age. On the day of Arafat, 6 Indians died and 4 Indians have died on account of accidents. I would also like to tell you that last year, the figure of Indians who died in Haj was 187.
Kadambini, aapka sawal ki hum log kya kar rahe hain, wahan jo hamara Haj Mission Jeddah mei hai, woh bade paimane pe kaam karta hai. Wahan par medical mission hain, hospitals hain, ambulances hain, aur jo saari vyavastha hai woh hamare logon ki dekhrekh ke liye hai. Aur jo bhi wahan par kuch is prakar ka hadsa hota hai, hum turant unke pariwarjano se logon se milte hain, aur jo bhi karyawahi ki ja sakti hai woh kaam hum log karte hain, unka sabka dhyan rakha jata hai. Agar aap jo Haj Mission ke social media handles hain, ya uske alawa jo Press Vigyapti wahan se jari hoti hain, usko dekhenge toh aapko pata chalega ki kitni vistaar se intezam wahan par kiya jata hai logon ke liye. Is baar suna hai ki kyuki bahut garmi rahi aur khaas kar Arafat ke din, jis din wahan par jyada shradhhalu aate hain, kafi log us din heatwave ke karan hatahat hue. Kai ek dusre deshon ke log usmai hatahat jyada hue, hamare yahan se 6 log day of Arafat ke din unka nidhan hua.
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Kadambini, regarding your question on what we are doing, our Haj Mission in Jeddah operates on a large scale. We have medical mission, hospitals, ambulances, and all necessary arrangements there to take care of our people. Whenever such incidents happen, we immediately reach out to their families and take all possible actions to take care of them. If you look at the social media handles of the Haj Mission or the Press Releases issued from there, you will get to know the extensive arrangements made for the people. This time, due to the extreme heat, especially on the day of Arafat when the maximum number of pilgrims visit, many people were affected by the heatwave. Several people from other countries were affected, and from our side, 6 people died on the day of Arafat.
On the French journalist, yes, Mr. Sébastien Farcis, he's an OCI card holder. If you are an OCI card holder, you need permission or work permit to carry on your journalistic activities. To the best of my knowledge, he applied in May of 2024. And his application is still under consideration. The question of his leaving the country, that is a decision that he has to... it's for him to take. If he has taken, that's fine. But, his work permit application is still under consideration. He had reapplied it here in May of 2024.
Madhu aapka sawal Galwan ko lekar hai. Galwan ko lekar hum logon ne pahle bhi kaha hai ki do tarfa hum logon ki baat chal rahi hai, ek military-to-military level pe aur dusri rajnayik level pe. Jyon jyon hamari ye batchit chalti rehti hai, is manch se aur uske alawa press vigyapti ke jariye aapko batate hain ki kya progress ho raha hai. Lekin hum log chahte hain ki jo seemavarti kshetra hai, us par shanti bahal ho taki chizain aage ja sake.
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Madhu, your question is regarding Galwan. As we have mentioned before, discussions are ongoing on at two levels: military-to-military level and diplomatic level. As these discussions happen, we keep you informed about the progress through this platform and through Press Releases. We desire restoration of peace in the border areas so that things can move forward.
Sidhant, your question regarding Canadian Parliament observing two-minute silence, see, we naturally oppose any moves giving political space to extremism and those advocating violence. So that is our position on this particular issue that you raised.
Madhurendra: Sir, isko Hindi me.
[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Sir, in Hindi.
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Canada ke parliament mei jo wahan par gatividhi hui, usko lekar hum log ye kehna chahte hain ki jo rajnitik space diya jata hai extremists ko aur jo log hinsa bhadkane ka kaam karte hain, in sab chizon ko hum oppose karte hain.
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Regarding the developments concerning Canadian parliament, we would like to state that we oppose any moves giving political space to extremism and those advocating violence.
Sidhant, also to answer your question regarding economic links, linkages, business, etc., on that we have been very consistent in our articulation. I have spoken from this platform, our External Affairs Minister has spoken, our leadership has spoken that peace and tranquility on the border is important for our ties with China to become normal.
Krishn, I did answer your question.
Samira: Hi, Samira Hussain from BBC News. There is an upcoming debate in the United States between President Biden and President Trump. I am wondering what the Indian take is on the upcoming presidential election and what you may or may not be anticipating in terms of whichever person comes into power again.
Rezaul: Rezaul from Hindustan Times. Following the deaths of two more Indians serving with the Russian military, India had asked for a verified stop to the recruitment of Indians. Have we heard back from the Russians on this? Do we have any figures of how many Indians are actually serving with the Russian forces and how many have asked to come back?
Sudhi: Sir, Sudhi Ranjan again and thank you for allowing me another question, sir. Sir, External Affairs Minister was in Sri Lanka. If you could give us some more details on his discussions because he met a lot of political leaders across the spectrum. Also wondering, did India raise the Katchatheevu issue which we saw being raised a couple of weeks ago? And therefore, what was Sri Lanka's response?
Srinjoy: Sir, in these last few weeks and more, more than one dossier on Khalistani terrorists have been given from different sections of the government to Canada. Have we got a reply? And if there is a reply, what is it?
Manash: Manash from PTI. Since April, we have seen media reports in the Australian media about expulsion of Indians, unspecified number of Indian spies from Australia. Since reports of 'nest of spies' came out in 2020. So could you verify whether four Indians have been expelled by Australia as reported by the Australian media? And has there been any reciprocal action by India? Have we also expelled any Australian personnel operating from Delhi since Australia expelled our personnel? Thank you.
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Samira, your question on the debate. Well, the United States is a democracy like India is a democracy. What United States chooses or will choose is for the people of United States to decide. As far as we are concerned, there is bipartisan support on India-US relationship in the country and it was very well demonstrated by the visit of bipartisan CODEL which came to India recently as well. So that is how we look at it. It's for the people of United States to decide what sort of democracy, what sort of political formation they would like to have as a government.
Rezaul, your question on the two deaths, we have again taken up the issue and we have been continuing with this process. We are engaged with the Russian authorities both here in New Delhi as also in Moscow. So that people who are serving in the Russian army, they can be released and repatriated to India as soon as possible. The number of people who have contacted us so far, as I told you earlier, is between 20-25 people who contacted us, as they wanted to be released. Of those, 10 people have actually been released and repatriated back to India. Of the two people who died recently, we are in touch with their family members. We also are in touch with the Russian Defence Ministry and the Foreign Ministry so that their mortal remains can be brought to India as soon as possible. On the verified stop, yes we had sought verified stop to recruitment and we have taken up this issue with all sincerity with the Russian authorities with the expectation that they are going to act. It's a matter of utmost and deep concern to us and the Russian authorities will act on it soon.
Sudhi, on the Sri Lanka visit, External Affairs Minister had visited Sri Lanka yesterday. This was his first bilateral visit to any country after being sworn in as External Affairs Minister yet again. We had given a Press Release yesterday. It's a detailed one which I would urge you to have a look at. External Affairs Minister's visit underscores India's primacy that we accord to Sri Lanka in our 'Neighborhood First' policy, as also 'SAGAR vision' policy. External Affairs Minister called on the President of Sri Lanka, he also called on the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, His Excellency Mr. Dinesh Gunawardena. Thereafter, they had delegation level talks in which several ministers from the Sri Lankan side were present. President Wickremesinghe and External Affairs Minister, they jointly handed over 48 houses under Model Village Housing Project in Colombo and Trincomalee. I would also like to point attention that during the visit, Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, which is a very important platform for search and rescue operation at sea, which was established with India's grant of $6 million, was also jointly commissioned in a virtual ceremony. Apart from that, External Affairs Minister called on Leader of Opposition. He also had separate meetings with former President of Sri Lanka, His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa, and a broad range of leaders from across political spectrum and parties. For more details, I would urge you to look at the Press Release. It has more details in regard to the visit. It was a one-day visit. This is External Affairs Minister's fifth visit, I would recall, in the recent past. Four times that he visited was in January of 2021, March of 2022, January of 2023 and October of 2023. The series of these visits underscores the kind of importance that we attach to our neighbourly relations with Sri Lanka.
Srinjoy, regarding your question on terrorism, time and again, we have said that this is a matter of serious concern for us, khalistani activities. We have been repeatedly calling upon the Government of Canada to take action. We have said that political space that is provided to extremist anti-India elements and those advocating violence must stop and they must take action.
Manash, your question regarding the documentary, you have asked some very specific questions. It is a documentary and I would like to respond to the documentary per se, because the documentary has several elements to it and it contains blatant untruths. I would urge you to please have a look at the documentary. It is biased and reflects unprofessional reporting. It appears to serve a particular agenda to malign India. We obviously oppose any such attempts to condone, justify or even glorify terrorism. So I would urge you that this particular documentary needs to be seen in light that I have just said.
Manash: Was there any reciprocal action from India?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: This is a documentary where she has talked about several issues. I don't want to go into all those issues. As far as we are concerned, I have told you the very basis of this documentary is something which is questionable. It is based on blatant untruths. Let me repeat, blatant untruths. It has unprofessional reporting. It is biased and it reflects of a certain agenda.
Sahil: Sir, I am Sahil from ANI. My question is that what is India's take on Khalistan extremists holding a so-called 'Citizens Court' in Canada?
Rishabh: Sir, Rishabh again from Times Now. So last week, we saw this tragedy unfolding in Kuwait. Now, the new report suggests that Kuwaiti authorities have also offered ex-gratia of $15,000 per deceased for the family. If you can the same?
Abhishek: Sir, Abhishek Jha from CNN News 18. My question is regarding we are going to observe the 39th anniversary of Kanishka bombing. And I believe there has not been any concrete proof or evidence that would suggest the blame on who did that. But we believe that Khalistani elements were behind that. In the wake of recent resurgence of Khalistani activism in Canada, how do you see the overall security situation? Especially, they have now threatened Indian citizens, also not to board the Indian Airlines plane, especially on 23rd June. So does that also amount some kind of terrorist threat?
Rajesh: Thank you, sir. This is Rajesh Mishra from Kantipur Media Group, Nepal. Sir, in the third term of Modi Ji government, will the 'Neighborhood First' policy come in more effectively? Second query is, this time, from which neighboring country is Modi Ji making his first visit? Thank you.
Neeraj: Sir main Neeraj Dubey, Prabhasakshi se. Sir mera sawal Jaishankar ji ki jo Sri Lanka yatra thi usiko lekar hai. Usmai aapne jo abhi vistaar se jankari di, toh aap usko jara hindi mei dohra dijiye, aur main ye janna chah raha hoon ki kya Katchatheevu ko lekar bhi batchit hui thi, kyuki Lok Sabha chunav ke dauran woh mudda kafi utha tha. Pradhan Mantri ji bhi Sri Lanka jane wale hain, aur kya padosi deshon mein pehla Sri Lanka hi hoga jahan par Pradhan Mantri jayenge?
[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Sir, I am Neeraj Dubey from Prabhasakshi. My question is about Jaishankar ji's visit to Sri Lanka. You just gave detailed information, so could you please repeat that in Hindi? Also, I would like to know if there were discussions about Katchatheevu, as that issue was raised during the Lok Sabha elections. Prime Minister is also going to visit Sri Lanka; will Sri Lanka be the first neighboring country he visits?
Yeshi: Is PM likely to go for the SCO Summit in Astana next month?
Rezaul: Thank you for allowing a second question, Rezaul from the Hindustan Times. I was just wondering, do we have an update on the issue of Nikhil Gupta now that he has been extradited to the US? Are we going to seek consular access or has he asked for consular access?
Shivnarayan: Shivnarayan from Newslaundry. I have follow-up question on French journalist Sébastien Farcis. Has the French government taken up this, taken up this issue with India?
Gautam: I am Gautam Lahiri. Within the span of only 10 days, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is visiting India. I know that tomorrow is a bilateral meeting. But the point is what is the expectation of India? It seems there is some kind of an urgency to talk with the Prime Minister of Bangladesh.
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Sahil your question regarding 'Citizen's Court'. We have strongly protested with the Canadian High Commission here. Such courts or such gathering is not helpful at all. It undermines... and we have strongly taken it up with them and told them to take action as appropriate in the matter.
Rishabh, your question is regarding Kuwait, compensations... This fire tragedy happened on 12th of June. 45 Indians have passed away, died. Their mortal remains were brought to India on 14th. There are still 17 Indians who are injured and in hospital, but they are all stable. The Embassy is making daily rounds. The Embassy is in touch with local authorities, the hospital authorities, and even the patients and their family members to ensure their well-being. As far as compensation is concerned, you would have seen reports that Prime Minister has announced that very day on 13th, an ex gratia payment of Rs 2 lakhs for people who died and Rs 50,000 for people who were injured. In addition, different state governments have also announced their compensation for those who have died in this tragedy. On the part of the Kuwaiti government, the Emir has announced US dollar 15,000 as compensation to people who have died. The company has announced payment of Rs 8 lakhs to the next of kin for people who have died. In addition, the insurance money also will come from the insurance company. The company is also providing a compensation of Rs 2 lakhs to all those who are injured plus their medical expenses are being covered by the company and the company will also undertake rehabilitation of those who are injured. So that was on the compensation part.
Abhishek, on Kanishka bombing, we have told you that the question of political space being given by Canada to extremists, to people who advocate violence, people who advocate anti-India agenda is a real problem and therefore we have, time and again, been insisting that the Canadian authorities take strict action against them. The question that you raised must be seen in that context.
Rajesh, 'Neighborhood First' policy of course is very important for us. It was on display when the swearing-in ceremony happened. We had the Hon'ble Prime Minister of Nepal participating in the swearing-in ceremony. That itself reflects the importance we attach to our neighboring countries including Nepal. We have a very special relationship with Nepal and these ties will continue to be strengthened in the days ahead.
Neeraj, aap Videsh Mantri ke Sri Lanka duare ke baare mei puch rahe the, toh kal ka daura raha unka, ek divsiya daura tha, lekin pichle kuch saalon mei ye paanchva daura hai Videsh Mantri ka. Isse aapko pata chal sakta hai, ye saaf zahir hai ki kis prakar ka rishta hamara Sri Lanka ke sath hai. Wahan par videsh mantri ki batchit wahan ke Rashtrapati se hui, wahan ke Pradhan Mantri se hui, uske alawa unhone sath mei milke wahan apne jo Videsh Mantri hain Sri Lanka ke unse baatchit ki, delegation level batchit hui. Uske alawa unhone kai ek saare development projects, housing projects ko jointly inaugrate bhi kiya, wahan ke Rashtrapati ke sath aur ek jaise maine bataya ki Maritime Rescue Center, uska bhi udghatan virtual tarike se kiya gaya. Ye ek bhartiya grant diya gaya tha 6 million US dollars ka uske tahat banaya gaya hai ye center. Videsh Mantri yatra ke dauran wahan ke purva Rashtrapati se bhi mile, uske alawa wahan par jo Leader of Opposition hain unse mile aur wahan ke anya jo political parties hain, unke jo netagan hain unse bhi mile. Isse saaf zahir hota hai ke Bharat-Sri Lanka maitri, Bharat-Sri Lanka rishtey par wahan par ek bipartision support bana hua hai aur ye hamare rishton ke liye bada badhiya hain.
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Neeraj, you were asking about the External Affairs Minister's visit to Sri Lanka. His visit took place yesterday and it was a one-day visit. However, this was his fifth visit in the past few years, which clearly indicates the nature of our relationship with Sri Lanka. During his visit, the External Affairs Minister had discussions with the President and Prime Minister of Sri Lanka. He also met with the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister and had delegation-level talks with him. He also jointly inaugurated several development projects, housing projects with the President of Sri Lanka. As I mentioned, a Maritime Rescue Center, built under a 6 million USD grant from India, was also virtually inaugurated. During his visit, the External Affairs Minister also met with the former President of Sri Lanka, the Leader of the Opposition, and other political leaders from various parties. This clearly shows the bipartisan support for India-Sri Lanka friendship and India-Sri Lanka relations there, which is very good for our ties.
Yeshi, on your question regarding Prime Minister's visit, we will let you know of the visit as and when these things are finalized. As you know, we announce these visits closer to the date, still some distance away. So you will come to know of our participation in SCO.
Rezaul, on Nikhil Gupta, he was extradited to the United States on 14th of June. We have so far not received any request for consular access from Mr. Gupta, but his family has got in touch with us and we are in touch with the family members and we are looking at the matter as to what can be done on their request.
On Sébastien, Shiv, what was your question?
Shivnarayan: Has the French government taken up this?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: So, that question you must take to the French Government. Whether the French Government has taken it up with us, you must take that question with them, whether they have taken it up with us or not.
Shivnarayan: Because it happened in the...
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: See, this gentleman, he reapplied for his work permit in May of this year.
Shivnarayan: That was not the first time. First time was in August last year.
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: That's fine, but he's again reapplied and the matter is under consideration. That is the information I have.
Samira: He said he was denied.
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: But he's again reapplied. So the matter is under consideration.
Samira: [Inaudible]
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: As far as I know, he has reapplied and his reapplied application is under consideration.
Samira: But his previous one was...
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: He had made an application. There may have been other issues, I don't know, but his application, he has reapplied for journalistic permission. If you look at his letter that he has put in the public domain, it also says that he has reapplied and it is under consideration. He also thinks that it will be granted. Please have a look at his letter. You know, we have this tendency of going overboard without going into details of what the literature is in the letter.
Gautam, your question regarding the visit, the State visit of Prime Minister of Bangladesh is to happen. She is to arrive shortly. She was to arrive at 4 O'clock. We are waiting at the airport. We have a full delegation waiting at the airport to receive her. The State visit will commence today. It's a very important visit for us, the first State visit from the neighboring countries. Both sides have a lot of expectation because the relationship is so special and so friendly. Tomorrow, you'll get more details of all the things that are there in the offing, the discussions, the MoUs, the agreements, all that will be signed. Both sides are committed to deepen and strengthen this very special partnership that we have with Bangladesh.
Speaker 2: Thank you, [Inaudible] from [Inaudible]. My question is regarding yesterday, President of Russia, Putin, was speaking of reviewing the nuclear doctrine of Russia, especially following the dismantling all the agreement of the United States. Do you have any comment on this, and if India is, in the near future, also thinking of reviewing its nuclear doctrine? Thank you.
Keshav: Thank you, my name is Keshav, I'm from the Print. My first question is regarding the visit of Sheikh Hasina. Is there any movement on the tripartite power pact with Nepal and Bangladesh, and is that expected to be discussed tomorrow? And the second question is, yesterday our Prime Minister spoke with the President-elect of Indonesia. Were discussions on the Sabang Port deal possibly discussed, and are there any details on that? Thank you.
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Keshav, first on the visit of Bangladesh Prime Minister, the details of the visit you will come to know tomorrow. 3 O'clock tomorrow we have a Press engagement where a Special Briefing by the Foreign Secretary will be done, post-discussions of the Prime Minister with our Prime Minister. So you will come to know of all that we together agree to do on trade, on defence, on connectivity, so on and so forth. So, cordially you are invited.
On the question of the telephone call between President and Prime Minister, we have warm and friendly relations with Indonesia, we want to do very many things with them. This was an introductory call, first call after Prime Minister was sworn in, in his historic third term. So it's a good beginning, we look forward to strengthening our partnership with Indonesia, a G20 country and a very multifaceted partnership that we have with that country.
On your question on nuclear doctrine, India's nuclear doctrine, we are very clear and our guidelines are laid down. As far as nuclear doctrine of third country is concerned, we would not like to comment on it.
With that, let us come to a close. Thank you very much. Hope to see you tomorrow for the Special Briefing by Foreign Secretary.
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