Transcript of Weekly Media Briefing by the Official Spokesperson (August 08, 2024)
India - Ministry of External Affairs
August 08, 2024
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Good evening friends. Let's start the Press engagement.
Umashankar: Umashankar Singh, NDTV India se. Bangladesh chodne ke baad poorv PM Bangladesh ki, Sheikh Hasina Bharat mei hain, kya unhone Bharat se rajneetik sharan mangi hai? Aur agar aisa hai toh kya Bharat is par vichar kar raha hai? Ya kisi bhi tarike se kisi tisre desh mei unko sharan mile, is tarah ki koi koshish Bharat ki taraf se ki ja rahi hai?
[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Umashankar Singh from NDTV India. After leaving Bangladesh, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, is in India. Has she sought political asylum in India? And if so, is India considering that? Or is India making any efforts to help her get asylum in a third country?
Huma: Sir, I'm Huma Siddiqui from the Financial Express. I have two questions. One is what happens to the Line of Credit that we have given to Bangladesh in the defence sector and what about the Bangladesh's bilateral trade with India right now? Is it going on or is it on a hold?
Sidhant: Sir, we have seen a lot of violence in Bangladesh. We have seen attacks on minorities, especially Hindus. What do you have to say? What is India's reaction? I'm Sidhant from WION.
Madhurendra: Sir, mera bhi sawal isi se juda hua hai. Abhi tak jo prapt jankari hai Bharat sarkar ke record mei kitne log, khas taur pe alpa-sankhyak Hindu, Baudhha, aur Isaai jo hain, unpar hamle hue hain, unka casuality ka number kya hai, khas-taur pe jo dharmik jo mandir hain, ya phir Bauddha math hain, unpar jo hamle hue hain, woh kitne record mei liye gaye hain, aur use lekar kya Bharat ne kuch communicate kiya hain Bangladesh mei jo abhi army hai ya koi bhi administration hai usko?
[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Sir, my question is related to this as well. Based on the information received so far, how many people, particularly minority Hindus, Buddhists and Christians; have been attacked as per the records with the Indian government? What is the casualty number, especially concerning religious places like temples or Buddhist monasteries that have been attacked? How many such incidents have been recorded, and has India communicated anything to the army or any administration in Bangladesh regarding this?
Kadambini: Kadambini Sharma from NDTV. Sir jo wahan par abhi Military Chief hain unse ya wahan par jo bhi abhi handle kar rahe hain, kya unse rajnayikon aur jo wahan par Bhartiya maujud hain, unki surakshya ko lekar kya koi aashwasan mila hai? Aur ek aur sawal hai, jo borders pe jo bahot sare log udhar se yahan aana chah rahe hain, mostly minorities hain aur kuch Awami League ke hain, kya unke liye bhi koi pravdhan karne ki baat sochi ja rahi hai?
[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Kadambini Sharma from NDTV. Sir, has there been any assurance from the Military Chief there or from those currently handling there, regarding the safety of diplomats and the Indians present there? And one more question, given that the large number of people trying to cross the borders to come here, mostly minorities and some from the Awami League, are any provisions being considered for them?
Neeraj: Sir, main Neeraj Dubey hu Prabhasakshi se. Sir mera prashn ye hai ki is tarah ki reports hain ki Pakistan mei bhi minorities ke man mei bhi bhay hai, aur woh log bhi Bharat se sharan mang rahe hain, kuch logon ne tourist visa ke liye bhi apply kiya hai, bataya ja raha hai ki kal Atari border se 2 family bhi India aayi hain. Is mamle mei kya update hain Sir?
[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Sir, I am Neeraj Dubey from Prabhasakshi. My question is that there are reports suggesting that minorities in Pakistan are also afraid, and they are seeking asylum in India, some have even applied for tourist visas, and two families have reportedly arrived in India through the Atari border yesterday. What is the update on this matter, Sir?
Rishabh: Sir, good evening. Rishabh from Times Now. Sir, there are two reports, one, the people who came with former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, the reports says that they have started leaving, and Indian authorities are helping them to leave for their next destination from India, not about Sheikh Hasina or her sister but other people who accompanied them, and we are given to understand that they are more than 10 in numbers. The second Sir, that there are reports that BSF has foiled people coming in Indian territory in Tripura, if we can have more details about how many such incidents have taken place on international border where people have tried to cross over to India?
Milan: Sir, Milan from India today. What is the level of threat of Indian investments in Bangladesh at the moment, because... are we considering that the new government may provide a base or port to either US or China? If yes, how will it affect Indian Navy's monopoly in the Bay of Bengal, if that is something that is being looked at the moment? Also, how long will Sheikh Hasina ji be here in India? We understand that some of her associates are now moving to different places from here on. Sir, these are the questions.
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Let me answer these questions. We will come back to you. If your question has been answered, then you can look at some other question.
Umashankar aapka sawal former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina ji ko le kar hai, toh hamare Videsh Mantri ne bataya spasht roop se, jab unhone Parliament mei apni suo motu statement di thi, ki ek short notice pe hum logon ne ijajat di unko yahan aane ke liye, Bharat aane ke liye. Aur jaisa ki aapko gyat hai ki abhi jo situation hai, woh evolving hai, chal raha hai, usmai tabdili aa rahi hai, so mere paas... it would not be appropriate for me at this point in time to comment on her plans.
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Umashankar, your question is regarding former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Our External Affairs Minister has clearly stated, in his suo motu statement in Parliament, that the approval for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to come to India was given at a short notice. The situation as you know is still evolving as far as Bangladesh is concerned. It would not be appropriate for me at this point in time to comment on her plans.
So that also answer several other questions that you've asked.
Yeshi: Sir, please also give it in English.
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: External Affairs Minister has already explained, the approval for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to come to India was given at a short notice. The situation as you know is still evolving as far as Bangladesh is concerned. It would not be appropriate for me to comment on her plans.
Huma, your question regarding LoC, bilateral trade, all those things; as I said, the situation is evolving. It has been reported that this evening, there will be the swearing in of the interim government. So once those things take place... one thing I would like to emphasize and tell you that as far as we are concerned, Government of India and the people of India are concerned, for us, the interest of the people of Bangladesh is foremost in our minds.
Sidhant, your question regarding attacks and minorities' situation, this particular issue was also addressed by External Affairs Minister in his suo motu statement. We are also monitoring the situation as you know with regard to the status of minorities. There are also reports that various initiatives have been taken by groups and organizations to ensure the protection and well-being of the minorities. I would like to reiterate what External Affairs Minister had said in the Parliament. We welcome these steps but will naturally remain deeply concerned till law and order is visibly restored. Having said that, we also want to make it clear that, it is the responsibility of every government to ensure well-being of all its citizens. We hope for early restoration of law and order in Bangladesh. This is both in the interest of the country itself and for the region as a whole or the larger region as a whole.
Madhu aapka sawal, hum logon ne bahot sare reports dekhain, aapne bhi dekha hoga ki wahan par ghatnaye hui hain, hinsa bhadki hai, aur pichle ek saptah mei, jab se chal raha hai wahan par protest, aapne dekha hoga ki bahut sari kshati hui hai public properties ko le ke, aur bhi chizon ko le kar, toh yahi hai mota mota ki uska aaklan hamare paas nahi hai, kyunki wahan ki sarkar ke paas hoga ki kya hua hai. Lekin hum log ye kehna chahta hain, main phir se ek bar dohra raha hoon, ki har sarkar ki ye jimmewari hai ki woh apne logon ka dhyan rakhain aur unke hit mei kaam karain aur jitna jaldi se jaldi, law and order, kanoon vyvastha, us desh mei bahal hoga woh us desh ke logon ke liye aur saath saath pure kshetra ke liye ye behtar hoga.
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Madhu, regarding your question, we've seen many reports, and you must have also seen that there have been incidents of violence there. Over the past week, since the protests began, there has been a lot of damage to public properties and other things. We do not have the assessment of it; the assessment would be with the government there regarding what has happened. But we want to emphasize, and I reiterate that it is the responsibility of every government to take care of its people and work for their interest. The sooner law and order is restored in that country, the better it will be not only for the people of that country but also for the entire region.
Kadambini aapka sawal isi ko lekar tha jo maine kaha. Toh is mudde pe hamari batchit wahan ki sarkar se chal rahi hai, jaisa ki aap jaante hain ki wahan par hamare High Commission ke alawa chaar aur Assistant High Commission bhi hain, unki suraksha ko leke aur wahan par jo hamare log rehte hain, unki suraksha ko leke, hum log lagatar unse baatchit kar rahe hain. Aur ye hamara expectation hai ki jald se jald wahan kanoon vyavastha sudhre taki hum log apna jo kaam kaaj hai, jo ucchayukt ka kaam kaaj hai woh jald se jald shuruwat ho.
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Kadambini, your question was related to what I just answered. On this issue, we are in discussions with the government there. As you know, in addition to our High Commission, we also have four Assistant High Commissions there. We are in constant discussion with them regarding their safety and the safety of our people living there. It is our expectation that law and order will be restored there as soon as possible so that our work, functioning of the High Commission, can resume soon.
Neeraj aapka sawal dusre taraf ka tha, toh ye jo aapne vakya bataya ki wahan se 2 pariwar aaye hain border paar kar ke, iske bare mei mere paas abhi jankari nahi hai, lekin maine jaisa kaha ki ye har desh ki ye uski apni responsibility hoti hai ki jo apne log hain unki suraksha kare aur unki dekhbhal kare.
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Neeraj, your question was regarding the other side. Regarding the incident you mentioned about two families crossing the border and coming here, I do not have any information on that at the moment. However, as I said, it is the responsibility of every country to ensure the safety and well-being of its people.
Rishabh, what was your question, can you repeat again?
Rishabh: Sir, there are reports that people who came along with Sheikh Hasina and her sister have now started to leave for their further destination. They were moved to safe houses in Delhi and now they are being assisted. So wherever they have visa for or they have documents to travel for, they are being assisted to leave. So is it like, if you can just give us more details on that.
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: So you know as far as former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is concerned, I told you that we don't have an update on her plans. It is for her to take things forward. As far as other members that you talked about, of course they have their own... they are responsible for themselves and I also again don't have an update on their plans. It is for them to take forward what they think is in their best interest.
Rishabh: [Inaudible]
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: So, there I would again repeat what I had said just earlier, that it is the responsibility of every government to ensure the well-being of all its citizens. We hope for early restoration of law and order in Bangladesh. This is both in the interest of the country itself and the larger region.
Milan, your question was regarding Bay of Bengal investments. As I told you...
Milan: Sir, it's investments that we have invested in Bangladesh, rail road projects etc., power; and whether we are considering that there could be a possibility that they give a port to US or China which could impact the monopoly of Indian Navy in Bay of Bengal.
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: So, as I told you, we are engaged with authorities in Dhaka. We have before us an evolving situation. As a close friend of the people of Bangladesh, it is our understanding that we want restoration of peace and stability in the country as soon as possible so that normal life can begin, so that we can... all the things that you have talked about, they can be looked after and we can take the interest of the people of Bangladesh and our own interests forward.
Yeshi: This is Yeshi Seli from the New Indian Express. Yesterday, we read that some members of the Indians who were working in the High Commission and Assistant High Commissions were facilitated to come back. How many have come back out of these five hundred? And also, the minorities who have been attacked, will India consider letting them in, if they seek help because they are most vulnerable right now? And besides the 9000 students who have returned, the others continue to be there or are they also seeking help?
Ayushi: So, this is Ayushi Agarwal from ANI. Can we have more details of the talks held between our Foreign Minister and UK Foreign Secretary this afternoon? How much was Bangladesh discussed and was the possible asylum to UK a part of discussion too?
Sudhi: Sir, Sudhi Ranjan from Bloomberg. As you said, the situation is fluid, in your initial statement. Can you give us an understanding whether the Government of India has opened negotiations or reached out to the interim government, Muhammad Yunus or anybody in charge in Bangladesh, in particular the army?
Gautam: I am Gautam Lahiri. Now, as you said that new government would be sworn-in in the evening, what will be India's attitude towards the new government, because the next door neighbor, as you say, the close neighbor.
Siddhant: Hi, Sir. I am Siddhant from CNN News18. Sir, I want to know that since you said that we are engaging with people back in Dhaka, I have two questions. One, have we raised the issue of minorities being attacked specifically? And second, who are we talking to, army or the probable members of the interim government or the political parties in Dhaka? Thank you.
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Yeshi, we had informed, External Affairs Minister and his statement had informed that there are 19,000 people thereabout in Bangladesh, of which 9,000 thereabout are students, of which majority of them have come back. There are Indians who want to come back and there our High Commission is assisting them with support. Obviously, the airlines are operating as you know. Several people have reached out to our High Commission and Assistant High Commission for support and that assistance is being rendered to Indian nationals and several people have also come back. We hope that the security situation in the country improves soon so that normal life can begin and it will be easy for us, our High Commission and Assistant High Commission also, to begin their normal functioning.
Insofar as the question of the Indian staffers working in our High Commission is concerned, we have only our non-essential Indian staff members and their family members have come back and given the situation, you know, this is also the situation with other Embassies, they have also pulled back their non-essential or their own people. We hope that normalcy returns so that our High Commission and Assistant High Commission, they can begin the normal work as soon as possible.
Ayushi, on your question, you would have seen External Affairs Minister just few hours back, he had a conversation with Foreign Secretary David Lammy. The two leaders spoke about developments in Bangladesh and West Asia. Further than that, I don't have anything else to add to that.
Sudhi, on the authorities, yes, we are in touch with Bangladesh authorities. We are closely monitoring the situation. We are in touch with them to ensure the safety and security of our Missions, of our personnel who are manning the Missions and also for the safety and security of Indian nationals.
Gautam ji asked a question about the interim government, which is... on that, let's wait I would say, because it is an evolving situation, it would be premature for me to comment at this stage. But as I told you, I would like to emphasize and make this one thing very clear that the interest of the people of Bangladesh is foremost in our minds...foremost in the mind of the government and it's so important for Government of India and for the people of India.
On minority issues, yes, Siddhant, we're closely monitoring the situation. External Affairs Minister also talked about it. We hope that... certain steps have been taken by groups and organizations and we have welcomed that but we want that the law and order situation in the country improves so that normal life can begin and also to that, I would like to again reiterate the point, it is the responsibility of every government to ensure the well-being of all its citizens. We hope for early restoration of law and order in Bangladesh, this is both in the interest of the country itself and the larger region.
Raghavendra: This is Raghavendra Verma from German Television, ZDF. So the events in Bangladesh earlier this week were quite dramatic and there were loss of life, so many. How does India define or term that, was it considered to be unfortunate what has happened in Bangladesh this week? And what could we have an impact on India, what precautions the government is taking so that there would not be many negative impacts on India and why this would have happened? Sheikh Hasina was an ally of India, what India was doing and why it reached that stage?
Pia: Sir, I have two questions, Pia with the Print. First if you could if the EAM is travelling to the Maldives this week and what his agenda will be. Secondly on Bangladesh, as the External Affairs Minister said on the floor of the Parliament, the protest began with the anti-quota issue but it escalated and took a turn eventually coalescing around the removal of Sheikh Hasina. So, was it that Indian intelligence agencies were not aware of this escalation in a neighboring country or was it that no action was taken on available intelligence?
Manish: Sir, main Manish Jha hoon TV9 se. Muhammad Yunus jo ki Bangladesh mei interim sarkar ko lead karne wale hain, unka India ko lekar bahot hi mixed relation raha hai, publically woh ye baat kafi criticise karte hain ki Sheikh Hasina ko India ne bahot jyada samarthan diya hai. Toh ab jab ki woh sarkar ko lead karenge toh india ki kya expectation hain Muhammad Yunus se?
[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Sir, I am Manish Jha from TV9. Muhammad Yunus, who is set to lead the interim government in Bangladesh, has had a very mixed relationship with India. Publicly, he has often criticized the strong support India has given to Sheikh Hasina. Now that he will be leading the government, what are India's expectations from Muhammad Yunus?
Abhishek: Sir, this is Abhishek Jha from CNN-News18. My question will be yet again on the same minority issues, you said that law and order situation is the responsibility of the state government but there is rampant incidences of persecution and oppression of minorities and several hundreds of them have come closer to the Indian borders, they want shelter or some sort of refuge in India. Do we have any policy as of now whether the minority Hindus fleeing from Bangladesh will be allowed entry as a temporary basis or are we not allowing them to enter India right now?
Niraj: Sir Niraj hoon News18 India se. Sheikh Hasina ke bete ne News18 India se batchit mei kaha hai ki Bangladesh mei jo hua hai woh baahri factors mei ISI ka bhi hath hai aur US ki taraf bhi ishara kiya hai. Kaise dekhte hain aap is bayan ko?
[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Sir, I am Niraj from News18 India. Sheikh Hasina's son mentioned in a conversation with News18 India that the situation in Bangladesh involves external factors, including the involvement of the ISI, and he also hinted at the US. How do you view this statement?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Let me answer these questions, first to a friend here. On the situation in Bangladesh, our External Affairs Minister has spoken on the floor of the Parliament. He has given a detailed explanation of the situation in Bangladesh from our point of view. So I would refer you to look at the suo motu statement. Over and above, I would like to tell you and others also that we are in touch with Bangladesh authorities. We have requested them to ensure safety and security of our nationals, also safety and security of our High Commission and their personnel and it is our expectation that law and order will return to normalcy hopefully soon, so that normal transaction, normal life in the country can begin. Also I would like to again emphasize that the interest of the people of Bangladesh is foremost for us.
Pia, regarding the visit that you mentioned, you will come to know of the visit once we announce it. So let us wait for that. You know there are lot of things that are happening, so you will have to wait for us to announce the visit. Regarding the question again what you said, I would urge you to look at the statement made by the External Affairs Minister. That would give you an indication of our understanding and how we look at the developments in Bangladesh.
Manish, aapka sawal, dekhiye abhi toh jo wahan antarim sarkar hai, woh bani nahi hai, ek baar antarim sarkar ban jaye toh uske baad kuch kaha ja sakta hai. Abhi ki sthiti mei ye hai ki thoda premature hai kehna, lekin maine jaisa kaha aapse ki antarim sarkar aaye, aur bhi bahot saari chizain hongi aane wali, lekin hamare liye wahan ke logon ki jo aakankshayain hain, wahan ke logon ka jo hit hai woh hamare liye sarvopari hai aur rahega Bharat ke liye aur Bharat ke logon ke liye. Toh is uddeshya ko maddenajar rakhte hue hum log kaam karenge.
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Manish, regarding your question, as of now, the interim government there hasn't been formed yet. Once the interim government is formed, then we can say something. At this stage, it is a bit premature to say anything, but as I mentioned earlier, when the interim government comes in, many other things will also follow. However, the aspirations and interests of the people there are foremost for us, for both India and its people. We will work with this objective in mind.
Abhishek, I have already answer this question, but I would again like to repeat, very specificaly for you, that it is the responsibility of every government to ensure the well-being of all its citizens. We hope for early restoration of law and order in Bangladesh. This is both in the interest of country itself and the larger region. So that should answer your question.
Niraj, aapne sawal kiya foreign hand ko le ke, toh main aapko batana chahunga ki wahan jo ghatnaye hui hain kuch din mei, uske har pahlu ko hum log nirakshan kar rahe hain, uska analysis kar rahe hain. Aur dekhte hain aage kya hota hai.
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Niraj, regarding your question about foreign hand, I would like to inform you that we are closely monitoring, analyzing all aspects of recent developments in Bangladesh. We will see what develops further.
Huma: Sir, in English.
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: So, we are closely analyzing all aspects of recent developments in Bangladesh. This was in reference to the question posed by Niraj on involvement of foreign powers and governments.
Dhairya: Sir, you just mentioned that India has been in touch, discussed the Bangladesh situation with the UK. There was also a BRICS Sherpa meeting about which you posted earlier in the day. Could you give a sense of if India is coordinating with... how many foreign partners India is coordinating with as far as the situation in Bangladesh is concerned? Sir, just one more question on the minorities issue in Bangladesh. Have the Indian High Commission and the Assistant High Commissions received any visa applications from members of the minority community or those associated with former dispensation in the last two days? Sir, because we are given to understand that the visa operations have been suspended in the morning. Thank you, Sir.
Sachin: Hi, Sachin from the Times of India. Given that, as the Foreign Minister said in Parliament, she had sought permission to come here only for the moment, and the fact that an extended presence for us may not be to the liking of the new dispensation in Dhaka, can you give us a sense of what is the understanding in the government about how long can we afford to have Hasina on our soil? Is there a, sort of, time frame or a deadline or a line which you have drawn for her beyond which you would not be able to have here? Thanks.
Sanjeev: Sir main Sanjeev Trivedi hoon News24 se. Aur isi sawal ko aage badhate hue, Videsh Mantri ka jo bayan tha Sansad mei usko diye kareeb 48 ghante beet chuke hain, toh teji se badalte ghatnakram ke sandarbh mei aapse ye janna hai ki kya Sheikh Hasina ne hum logon se political asylum manga hai? Aur agar aisa nahi hai toh kya woh ek aise mitra ke taur par yahan hain jo jab tak chahain tab tak yahan rehengi? Ya phir Bharat unko kisi dusre desh mei asylum lene mei madad kar raha hai?
[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Sir, I am Sanjeev Trivedi from News24. Following up on this question, it has been nearly 48 hours since the External Affairs Minister's statement in Parliament. In the context of the rapidly changing situation, I would like to know if Sheikh Hasina has requested political asylum from us? And if not, is she here as a friend who will stay here as long as she wishes? Or is India helping her to get asylum in another country?
Kallol: Kallol Bhattacharjee from the Hindu. My question is this evening we have the swearing-in ceremony of the interim government, so has there been an invite from the Bangladesh side to send an Indian representative at the event and who is going to represent India at the event? And also Sir, you were saying repeatedly that the interest of the Bangladesh people is really paramount for you. So, in that sense, has India reconciled to the developments of the last few days? And are you now in a position to say that you are perhaps kind of positive towards the change that has taken place?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: First, Dhairya, your question. On the Bangladesh issue, we talked about the discussion that External Affairs Minister had with the UK Foreign Secretary just few hours back. Those discussions were on West Asia and also developments in Bangladesh. Regarding G20 meetings, yes, we have been regularly attending G20 meetings. The recent one was on G20 development issues where our Secretary (ER) had participated. We also released a Press Release that will give you more details of our engagement.
On the visa issue, last two-three days, because of the violence and arson in Dhaka, it was difficult to conduct normal activities, normal functioning of the Embassy. Once normal functioning or law and order is restored, we hope that normal functioning will begin soon, because this bilateral relation is so important, and we will be able to conduct all our functions.
Dhairya: Sir, my question was on BRICS Sherpa meeting. [inaudible] Did this issue come up specifically?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: I don't have an update on whether this particular issue was discussed in the BRICS Sherpa meeting. I will come back to you with more details on that.
Sachin, regarding the former Prime Minister, I would again like to reiterate and repeat, I have already said this, that it would not be appropriate for me to comment on her plans. It is for her to take things forward.
Sanjeev, aapka sawaal bhi, jo jawab maine diya hai, wahi jawab aapke liye bhi.
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Sanjeev, the answer I gave is also the answer to your question as well.
Kallol, swearing in ceremony, I saw reports that it is to be held this evening. I don't know the exact time, somewhere I read that its 8 o'clock. I also understand that diplomatic community members have been invited to participate. It is likely that our High Commissioner would participate. Again, I would like to emphasize that for us...we have been in touch with the authorities in Bangladesh presently. As far as the interim government is concerned, let us see, let us wait. It is slightly premature for us to comment on it. But as I said, the interest of Bangladeshi people is of paramount importance to us.
Akash: Sir ek sawal Britain ko le kar hai, Sir. Mera naam Akash Shrivastava hai, main Third Eye World News se hoon Sir. Sir Britain ke kai shahron mei pichle kuch samay se kaafi hinsak pradarshan chal rahe hain, is baare mei Bharat jo hinsa chal rahi hain, usko kis najariye se dekhta hai Sir?
[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Sir, I have a question regarding Britain. My name is Akash Shrivastava, and I am from Third Eye World News. There have been violent protests in several cities in Britain recently. How does India view the ongoing violence there?
Huma: Sir, I just want to know what is India's position on the recent elections in Venezuela, because the American government is not accepting the results? So, does it have an impact on our relations with that country? And what happens to the money which is stuck there?
Sidhant: Sir, not on Bangladesh, on the situation in West Asia, because that is also another major hotspot. And many Indians are there in Lebanon, Israel. How do you assess the situation? We know that advisories have been issued. So, are we looking at some kind of evacuation plan or do you see the situation remaining same?
Milan: Sir, you said that External Affairs Minister spoke with David Lammy. So, apart from Bangladesh, if anything else was discussed, because we have a statement from the UK Home Office saying that Sheikh Hasina should seek asylum in the first country, which is India; and whether they have spoken on her asylum request in the UK.
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Ok the first question. Britain mei jo hinsa ko leke kaafi sare hadse aapne dekha hoga, usko leke hum logon ne ek advisory bhi jaari ki hai, kyuki hamare bahot saare log UK jate hain aur bahot saare Bhartiya mool ke log wahan rehte hain. Toh hum logon ne is advisory mei ye kaha ki aap log jahan jahan hinsak ghatnaye ho rahi hain, unse bachke rahiye taki apni surakshya aap swayam kar sakte hain. Toh advisory jaruri tha ye hinsa ko leke, toh ye main kahunga ki hum logon ki ye pratikriya rahi wahan par jo law and order ki shiti bigdi hain usko leke.
Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Regarding the violence in Britain, you may have seen several incidents. We have issued an advisory due to this situation, because many of our people travel to the UK and many people of Indian origin live there. In the advisory, we have advised the people to avoid areas where violent incidents are occurring, to ensure their own safety. This advisory was necessary due to the violence, so I would say that this was our response in view of the deteriorating law and order situation there.
Huma on recent elections in Venezuela, yes, we are following the developments in Venezuela since the recent Presidential elections and we hope that there will be a peaceful resolution of the issue. That is our position to the question that you asked.
Huma: Sir, on the money which is stuck there?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Well, that is an issue but it is also an ongoing issue. We will have to deal with that issue with the government there and the stakeholders who are involved as to how it can be resolved. I understand but I don't have all the details, but I understand that there have been some communication between the stakeholders involved on the financial part that you mentioned.
Milan, yes, the UK Foreign Secretary and External Affairs Minister had a conversation. Apart from West Asia, Bangladesh was also discussed. Over and above that, we have already made it clear, I don't have any more further details on this.
Sidhant, your question regarding West Asia, yes, the situation in West Asia is of extreme concern to us, as you know. There are around 3,000 Indian nationals in Lebanon, there are 10,000 people in Iran. Our Embassy is there. They have issued advisories for people to be , to be cautious; and given the situation, we would continue to call for de-escalation and call for restraint because that is the need of the hour.
So with that, we come to the closure of this Press engagement. Thank you very much ladies and gentleman.
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
