Transcript of Weekly Media Briefing by the Official Spokesperson (November 02, 2024)
India - Ministry of External Affairs
November 02, 2024
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Namaste and good afternoon friends. I welcome you to this Press Briefing. Thank you for coming on a Saturday. We had missed out this week on this opportunity. So we are here and the floor is open for questions.
Srinjoy, Time Now: Sir in these recent days, you would have noticed statements by Canadian government officials, targeting a senior Indian Cabinet Minister. How do you react to it?
Yeshi Seli, New Indian Express: This is Yeshi Seli from the New Indian Express. I also have a question on Canada. Jagmeet Singh has said that his party would like to introduce a motion to officially recognize the Sikh genocide in their Parliament. Your reactions?
Ayushi Agarwal, ANI: Sir, this is Ayushi Agarwal from ANI. What is India's comment on the recent sanctions announced by U.S. against 19 private entities from India and two Indian nationals, allegedly for dual use technologies to Russia; and also did this issue come up during the telephonic talks held between our NSA and Jake Sullivan?
Huma Siddiqui, Financial Express: Sir, I'm Huma Siddiqui from the Financial Express. Sir, the U.S. has been sending flights repatriating illegal Indians from there. Has this been discussed again with the American side, because they had a press conference and they mentioned that there are several other Indians that they will be sending over a period of time.
Ileana: Ileana, TASS News Agency. Good afternoon. My question is also on U.S. sanctions. Can they have any impact on business in India of Indian companies; and yes, will you discuss it with your counterparts? And on the whole, what is India's position on such sanctions policy from American side? Thank you.
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: So, first let's take Srinjoy's question regarding latest Canadian target.
We had summoned the representative of the Canadian High Commission yesterday. A diplomatic note was handed over in reference to the proceedings of the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security in Ottawa on October 29th 2024. It was conveyed in the Note that the Government of India protests in the strongest terms to the absurd and baseless references made to the Union Home Minister of India before the Committee by Deputy Minister David Morrison. In fact, the revelation that High Canadian officials deliberately leak unfounded insinuations to the international media as part of a conscious strategy to discredit India and influence other nations only confirms the view Government of India has long held about current Canadian government's political agenda and behavioral pattern. Such irresponsible actions will have serious consequences for bilateral ties.
Speaker: Sir, Hindi me.
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Humne kal Canada ke uchchayog yani dutawaas ke pratinidhi ko summon kiya tha, 29 October 2024 ko Ottawa mein Sarwajanik Suraksha aur Rastriya Suraksha par Sthai Samiti karwayi ke sandarbh mein ek rajnetik note us pratinidhi ko saunpa gaya hai. Us note mein bataya gaya ki Bharat sarkar upmantri David Morrison dwara Samiti ke samaksh Bharat ke Kendriya Grih Mantri ke bare me vyakt kiye gaye anargal aur niradhar sandarbho ka kade se kada virodh karti hai. Canada ke ucch adhikari Bharat ko badnaam karne aur anya desho ko prabhavit karne ki ek suvicharit ranniti ke tahet jaan bhuj kar antarrashtriya media ko niradhar aakshep leak karte hain, yeh rahasyodghatan us drishtikon ko ki pushti karta hai jo Bharat sarkar lambe samay se vartmaan Canada sarkar ke rajnaitik agenda aur uske vyawahaar ke taur tarike ke bare me rakhti rahi hai. Is tarah ki gair zimmedarana karwahiyo se dwipakshiya sambandho par gambhir parinaam honge.
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] We had summoned the representative of the Canadian High Commission yesterday. A diplomatic note was handed over in reference to the proceedings of the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security in Ottawa on October 29th 2024. It was conveyed in the note that the Government of India protests in the strongest terms to the absurd and baseless references made to the Union Home Minister of India before the committee by Deputy Minister David Morrison. In fact, the revelation that high Canadian officials deliberately leak unfounded insinuations to the international media as part of a conscious strategy to discredit India and influence other nations only confirms the view Government of India has long held about current Canadian government's political agenda and behavioral pattern. Such irresponsible actions will have serious consequences for bilateral ties.
Yeshi, your question regarding certain celebration that you referred in the Parliament; for long, we have been making our point very clear, our views very clear about extremism and the culture of violence and anti-India activities in Canada. This is our core concern with the Canadian government and we hope that they will take action against these activities. That is how we look at it.
Ayushi, on the sanction of 19 Indian companies, we have seen these reports of U.S. sanctions. India has a robust legal and regulatory framework on strategic trade and non-proliferation controls. We are also a member of three key multilateral non-proliferation export control regimes: The Wassenaar Arrangement, the Australia Group and the Missile Technology Control Regime; and have been effectively implementing relevant UNSC sanctions and UNSC Resolution-1540 on Non-Proliferation. Our understanding is that the sanctioned transactions and companies are not in violation of Indian laws. Nevertheless, in keeping with India's established non-proliferation credentials, we are working with all the relevant Indian departments and agencies to sensitize Indian companies on applicable export control provisions, as also inform them on new measures being implemented that could impact Indian companies in certain circumstances. Regular strategic trade export control outreach events for Indian industries and stakeholders are being carried out by agencies of the Government of India. We are also in touch with the U.S. authorities to clarify issues.
That also answers your question, Ileana.
On deportation of irregular illegal Indians in the United States, you would have seen that recently we had some deportation from the United States. We have a regular dialogue with the United States on migration and mobility and the idea behind that is to create more avenues for legal migration. As part of this, our regular consular dialogue and arrangement, we have facilitated movement of people who are staying in the United States illegally or are part of irregular movement and this has been going on for some time. We hope that with this cooperation and our engagement with the United States on mobility and migration, we will be able to deter illegal immigration.
Krishna Mohan Sharma, Bharat Express: Sir, Krishna Mohan Sharma, Bharat Express se. Canadian Prime Minister ne jo baatein kahi, unke jo representative keh rahe hain wo apni jagah par hai. Unhone hume enemies ke country ke list me daal diya hai. Humare jo ties hain unse, ye kitna aage tak chalne wala hai.
[Question in Hindi: Approximate Translation] Sir, Krishna Mohan Sharma from Bharat Express. The things that the Canadian Prime Minister said, and what their representatives are saying, are on their side. They have placed us on the list of enemy countries. How long our ties with them will go?
Rishabh MP, Times Now: Joint Secretary, good evening, Rishabh from Times Now. Sir, I have two questions both on Canada, one taking forward from Sharma sir. Sir, there is a report that suggests, from Canada, that India is involved in cyber-attack on Canadian government institutions and they have put us in a bracket which has North Korea, Iran among others there, and China as well. So, how do we respond to that? A. And B, there are reports that Indian diplomats in Canada are under surveillance. If we can have more details on that?
Suhasini Haider, The Hindu: Mr. Jaiswal, this is Suhasini Haidar from the Hindu. You referred to the demarche against the Canadian Cd'A on the basis of the officials talking about leaking reports. Now in the reports that they have purportedly leaked is the description of a five-hour meeting between National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval and Canadian intelligence officials in Singapore; and they have given a specific date in October. I wanted to get a sense from you firstly, did the NSA in fact meet with Canadian officials in October to discuss the case and in particular the details about a gang run by a man called Lawrence Bishnoi. And if so, I wanted to get a sense from the government if for the last year the government has consistently said that Canada has given no evidence, dismissed any allegations made by Canada in the Nijjar killing, then why did the NSA actually go all the way to Singapore to meet with Canadian intelligence? Thank you.
Raghavendra Verman, ZDF: This is Raghavendra Varma from ZDF, German Television. This is regarding India-China relations. Sir, following the disengagement at the border, has or will the economic ties improve? Has some measures already been taken? There were reports of denying Visa for the Chinese technicians in India. And connected to this is the conversation between the Indian and German Ministers in the metro talking about the delay in the German machinery made in China to India. How serious is that and whose jurisdiction is it to speak to the Chinese about that delay; will the Germans do or the Indian government has already done or what else has been done to normalize the economic relations and will that happen for the [inaudible]?
Ashoke Raj, Zee News: Sir, Ashoke hun Zee News se. Mere do sawal hain. Ek, kya U.S. ne abhi Lawrence Bishnoi ke bhai ke bare me kisi tarike ka details share kiya hai for extradition. Mumbai police iski taftish kar rahi hai. Dusra, Bharat ki ek niji company hai jinhone ek letter likh ke Bangladesh ko kaha hai ki paise do aur bijli lo. Ispe kisi tarike ki jaankari MEA ko hai?
[Question in Hindi: Approximate Translation] Sir, this is Ashok from Zee News. I have two questions. First, has the U.S. shared any details so far about Lawrence Bishnoi's brother in relation to extradition? The Mumbai police are investigating this. Second, there's a private Indian company that has sent a letter to Bangladesh asking for payment to get electricity. Does the MEA have any information on this?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Dusra sawal aapka kya tha? (What was your second question?)
Ashoke Raj, Zee News: Ek niji company hai jinhone ye kaha hai ki bijli lena hai to paise do.
[Question in Hindi: Approximate Translation] A private company has asked for payment to get electricity.
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Mohan and Rishabh aap dono ka sawal ek hai ki Canada ne Bharat ko ek alag kism ke category me daala hai. Uske bare me aap humari pratikriya maang rahe hain. Ye jo categorization unhone kiya hai, ye apne cyber ka unhone ek report jaari kiya hai uske tahet kiya hai. So, I would like to answer this question for Rishabh for you as well.
We see this appears to be another example of a Canadian strategy to attack India. Ki Bharat ko ek tarike se phir se attack karne ki ek ranniti hai. As I mentioned earlier, their senior officials have openly confessed that they are seeking to manipulate global opinion against India. As on other occasions, imputations are made without any evidence. To anargal baat keh ke Mohan ji aur niradhar baat keh ke aap humpe aarop thop rahe hain. Ye baat bilkul thik nahi hai.
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate Translation] Mohan and Rishabh, both of you have the same question regarding Canada placing India in a certain category, and you're asking for our response to it. This categorization they have made is under a report they have released on cyber matters. So, I would like to answer this question for Rishabh for you as well. We see this appears to be another example of a Canadian strategy to attack India. As I mentioned earlier, their senior officials have openly confessed that they are seeking to manipulate global opinion against India. As on other occasions, imputations are made without any evidence. So, Mohan ji, by saying absurd and baseless things, they are accusing us. This is absolutely not right.
Rishabh, on your questions regarding surveillance, yes, some of our consular officials were recently informed by the Canadian government that they have been and continued to be under audio and video surveillance. Their communications have also been intercepted. We have formally protested to the Canadian government as we deem these actions to be a flagrant violation of relevant diplomatic and consular conventions. By citing technicalities, the Canadian government cannot justify the fact that it is indulging in harassment and intimidation. Our diplomatic and consular personnel are already functioning in an environment of extremism and violence. This action of the Canadian government aggravates the situation and is incompatible with established diplomatic norms and practices.
Suhasini, your question regarding the meeting, yes, the meeting did take place. I had in fact confirmed this earlier also, in the earlier Presser that we had. And I again reiterate that Canada so far has not shared with us any shred of evidence in the matter that you referred to.
Suhasini Haider, The Hindu: Then, why did you meet with them?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: There are several issues that you discuss when you meet.
Raghavendra, your question on India-China economic ties, see, we had also issued a Press Release after our leaders met in Kazan. As agreed at the leaders' meeting in Kazan, relevant dialogue mechanisms at the level of Foreign Ministers and other officials will be utilized or used to stabilize and rebuild bilateral relations. We will let you know more when these mechanisms meet. We will let you know when these mechanisms meet to deal with issues of each other's interests and concerns. So, let these meetings happen and then we will have further developments, in regard to the question that you asked.
As far as development regarding machinery, etc.; see, India-Germany collaboration or economic cooperation is a large canvas. We have several issues which arise from time to time. These issues are resolved. These issues are solved in an amicable manner. Hopefully, whatever issues that are there, it will also be resolved to the best of satisfaction of both sides.
Ashoke, aapne baat kahi Anmol Bishnoi ki. Ye jo masla hai in sab chijo pe abhi investigation chal raha hai, chhanbin chal rahi hai. Aur ye sab jo baatein hain ye legal domain me aati hain. Aur chuki legal domain me aati hain, jo established procedures hain, uske tahet is masle pe karawahi hogi.
Jaha tak apne baat kahi bijli Bangladesh ko bechne wali baat jo kahi, ye masla jo hai do party ke beech me hai. Ek contractual obligation hai dono ke beech mein: ek private organization, dusra Government of Bangladesh hai. Bharat sarkar is contract mein humara koi role nahi hai. Isliye mere pas apse isse jyada share karne ke liye koi abhi is waqt koi information nahi hai.
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate Translation] Ashok, you mentioned about Anmol Bishnoi. The matter regarding all these issues is currently under investigation. And all these issues fall under the legal domain. Since this is within the legal domain, actions will be taken on this matter according to the established procedures.
As for what you mentioned about selling electricity to Bangladesh, this issue is between two parties. There is a contractual obligation between them: one is a private organization and the other is the Government of Bangladesh. The Government of India has no role in this contract. Therefore, I do not have any further information to share with you at this time.
Abhishek Jha, Independent Journalist: Hi sir, Abhishek Jha, independent journalist. My question is regarding Canada, there are reports that Canadian government has reduced number of Visas they used to issue to the Indians, if you can share some insight from that? And also, recently Canadian Opposition leaders have cancelled a scheduled Diwali event in Canadian Parliament. So, if you have any comment on that?
Keshav Padmanabhan The Print: Good afternoon sir, Keshav Padmanabhan from The Print. This is also on Canada. The National Security and Intelligence Advisor, at the hearing said, that they had attempted to meet with the Indian side on the 8th of October, but no Visa was given. And then on the 10th of October in New York, their officials appeared, but the Indians didn't come. And then finally, on the 12th, they met in Singapore. So can you just sort of whether this timeline is indeed correct? And if there are any comments or reasons regarding their allegations of the same, sir. Thank you.
Niraj Kumar, News 18: Sir abhi Israel mein Hizbullah ke taraf se kiye gaye humale mein chaar videshi nagariko ki maut hui hai, chaaro Thailand ke the. Bharatiya kaamgaar bhi waha kaam karte hain. Unki sthiti kaisi hai? Unki suraksha ko lekar kis tarah se Bharat sarkar nazar rakh rahi hai, kyunki haal ke waqt me Bharatiya kaamgaaro, workers ki sankhya bhi Israel me badhi hai.
[Question in Hindi: Approximate Translation] Sir, recently, four foreign nationals were killed in the attack by Hezbollah in Israel, and all four were from Thailand. Indian workers also work there. What is their situation? How is the Government of India monitoring their safety, especially since the number of Indian workers in Israel has also increased recently?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Ye aap Lebanon ki baat kar rahe hain, Israel ki baat kar rahe hain?
[Question in Hindi: Approximate Translation] Are you talking about Lebanon or Isarel?
Niraj Kumar, News 18: Isarel, sir.
Tomomi Asano, Yomiyuir Shimbun: This is Tomomi Asano from the Japanese newspaper, Yomiuri Shimbun. My questions are about the BRICS Summit which happened last month. After the closing of the BRICS Summit, some media are reporting the names of the 13 countries listed as partner countries. So I just want to know, is this finalized or not? And if not, what is the remaining procedure? And when will they be disclosed officially? And I also want to know India's understanding for the definition of partner countries. What is the difference between the member countries? Thank you.
Ajay Banerjee, The Tribune: Sir, good evening. I'm Ajay Banerjee of the Tribune. I seek a small clarification. The Foreign Secretary in his press briefing at Kazan had said the right time will come with regard to India-China talks for the next steps at the LAC. You just said that the bilateral meetings, let them take place, and the time will come. Have we set a timeline with the Chinese of the next two steps, the de-escalation and de-induction of troops along the LAC? Is there a timeline to it?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Abhishek, your question regarding Diwali celebration, which was canceled. We have seen some reports in this regard. It is unfortunate that the prevailing atmosphere in Canada has reached high levels of intolerance and extremism. That is what I have to say in response to your question. The other question you also raised about a reduction in number of Visas by the Canadian government. We obviously are monitoring the well-being of our student community in Canada, as also the well-being of our professionals who are working in Canada. Our concern for the safety and security remains very strong.
Niraj, ye bade dukh ki baat hai ki waha par Israel me hamle me chaar log hatahat huye hain abhi aur Thailand ke rehne wale hain jaise aapne bataya. Humare taraf se humara bada samuday hai waha par, kariban 25 se 30 hazar log waha par Israel me hain, kaam karte hain, karyarat hain. Humari jo Embassy hai, dutawas hai wo unse lagatar touch me hai. Unhone kai ek aapne dekha hoga ki travel advisory aur unko advisory bhi diya hai, kis parakar se apni suraksha ko behtar bahaal kare aur samay samay par Bharatiya dutawas se wo touch me rahe taaki hum unka behtar khayal kar sakte hain. Aapne ye bhi dekha hoga ki hum log kuch din pehle ek statement bhi hum logo ne diya tha jo West Asia me waha par ho haalaat hain us par, to main apka dhyan uss vaktavya par aakarshit bhi karna chahunga.
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate Translation] Niraj, it is indeed very sad that four individuals have lost their lives in the recent attacks in Israel, they were from Thailand, as you mentioned. We have a large community there, with approximately 25,000 to 30,000 Indians working and residing in Israel. Our Embassy is in constant touch with them. You may have seen that they have issued travel advisories and advised them on how to ensure their safety and maintain regular contact with the Indian Embassy, so that we can ensure their well-being. You might have also seen that we had issued a statement a few days ago on the situation in West Asia, which I would like to draw your attention to.
On BRICS Summit, yes, my understanding is that partner countries' status, 13 countries were admitted as partner countries. This was a decision which was collectively taken by the BRICS countries. Partner countries is different from a full membership. That is what I understand. As far as whether this particular issue has been closed or not at this point in time, this is my understanding that these 13 countries have become partner countries.
Ajay, regarding your question about timelines of next steps, bilateral meeting, etc.; at this point in time, I don't have anything to update you on.
Huma Siddiqui, Financial Express: Sir, this is regarding Taliban's recent diktat. They have said that they don't want a woman to hear another woman's voice. And India has always been sort of talking about the welfare and empowerment of women in Afghanistan. What does India think about it now?
Ileana, TASS: I've got just one more question on this very important meeting which we all were witnessing on the sidelines of BRICS Summit between Modi, Prime Minister, and Chinese President Xi Jinping. So it took place on the sidelines of BRICS in Kazan. So how was it organized? Can we speak about some kind of role of the host of the Summit in this meeting, like maybe some mediation role? Or so, how was it organized in Kazan? Thank you.
Rishabh MP, Times Now: Sir, can we have a confirmation that the disengagement in Depsang and Demchok area of Eastern Ladakh has been completed? And B sir, there are reports and claims being made that there are towers being seen along the LAC. One of the footage also has captured that. If we can have some information on that and what India know about those towers near LAC that is being presumed to be Chinese, sir.
Keshav Padmanabhan, The Print: Sir, you didn't answer my previous question?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: What?
Keshav Padmanabhan, The Print: On the NSA's allegations sir... [Inaudible].
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: So, Huma, on Taliban, you are aware of our position. Our position on this particular issue is very well known. So, that is where I'll stop.
Ileana, yes, the meeting of Prime Minister and President of China took place in Kazan. It was bilaterally arranged and Kazan was the venue for it. This particular question was also posed to the Foreign Secretary, who responded very well in Kazan as well.
Rishabh, on your question regarding disengagement and patrolling, you are all aware that on 21st October 2024, the last phase of disengagement was agreed upon between India and China. As a result, verification patrolling has commenced on mutually agreed terms in Demchok and Depsang. And as things move forward, we'll keep you updated on this matter.
Rishabh: Verification patrolling.
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: It's called verification, yes, verification patrolling in both places. The other issue that you raised, the tower, I don't have any... I'll come back to you on this particular matter.
Keshav, these issues that you've raised, these technical details I don't have, but I can tell you, as I've said, that the meeting took place in Singapore between our NSA and the Canadian NSA as well.
With that, we come to the close of this Press Briefing. Thank you very much, ladies and gentlemen.
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