Transcript of Weekly Media Briefing by the Official Spokesperson (March 21, 2025)
India - Ministry of External Affairs
March 21, 2025
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Good afternoon friends, let's begin the session. I open the floor for questions. So we start from here.
Jugal Purohit, BBC: Sir, good afternoon. This is Jugal Purohit here from the BBC. Mr. Badar Khan Suri, a PhD fellow at Georgetown University, was arrested outside his house on Monday night. He is an Indian national ... said to have, according to the official release from that side, known to be connected with a Senior Advisor to Hamas. Another Indian student, Ranjini Srinivasan, accused of supporting Hamas. Her visa was cancelled. I would like to understand, Sir, if the Indian government has gotten information about it, has taken up this issue with the Americans. And the second issue, sir, is there a likelihood of Prime Minister Modi meeting the Chief Advisor of Bangladesh, Professor Yunus, on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit. Thank you.
Niraj Kumar, News 18 India: Sir, Niraj hoon News 18 India se. Ameriki President Donald Trump ne tariff ke masale par ek baar fir dohraaya hai ki 2 April se reciprocal tariff lagu karenge. Sawal ye hai ki jo baachit America ke saath chal rahi hai, wo kaha tak paunchi hai, aur kaha kaha sehmati ban payi?
[Approximate translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, I am Niraj from News 18 India. American President Donald Trump has once again reiterated that reciprocal tariffs will be imposed from April 2. My question is, what is the current status of the ongoing discussions with America, and on which aspects has an agreement been reached?
Sahil Pandey, ANI: Good afternoon, Sir. I am Sahil from ANI News Agency. Polish Deputy Foreign Minister has credited Prime Minister Modi for persuading Russian President Vladimir Putin not to use the tactical nuclear weapon during the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Any comments on that, or do we have any details regarding it?
Sidhant Sibal, WION: Sir, EAM made a remark last week on Kashmir and the UN and then we saw the reaction by the Pakistani side. They said that India went to the UNSC first. So, what's the Indian reaction on the Pakistani reaction on the comments?
Keshav Padmanabhan, ThePrint: Sir, Good Evening. Keshav Padmanabhan from ThePrint. About two days ago, the European Commission released a white paper which said that in terms of defence purchases, only EU and certain countries are looking for suppliers, but India has a potential, given that we signed a security and defence partnership, which was also announced during President Von der Leyen's visit last month. So, can you give us any status on whether this is being negotiated, whether this is being seriously considered, at what stage, whatever you can say on this matter, given that this could potentially allow India to export weapons to the EU? Thank you.
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay. Let's start first with Jugal, your question regarding the Indian student. We are given to understand through media reports that this particular individual, he has been detained. Neither the US government nor this individual has approached us or the Embassy. So, this is what we understand.
The other student you talked about, see we have spoken on this issue on several occasions in the past, that when it comes to Visa and Immigration policy, it is something that lies within the sovereign functions of a country. We, on our side, we expect that when we have foreign nationals coming to India, they abide by our laws and regulations. And similarly, it is our expectation that when Indian nationals are abroad, they must also comply with local laws and regulations.
On the meeting that you asked, bilateral meeting, I don't have any update to share at this point in time.
Niraj, aapka sawal tariff ko le ke hain, tariff ke mamle mei jo humne update pichle press conference mei diya tha, mota-mota wahin par hum logon ki stithi bani hui hain. Lekin main ye kehna chahta hoon ki donon bharat aur America bilateral trade agreement ko aage le jane ki batchit kar rahe hain, donon sarkar ek jo framework hota hain bilateral trade agreement ka ispe batchit karne ke liye kadam badha rahi hain, aur aapko pata hoga ki is sandarbh mei hamare vanijya mantri America ke daure par bhi the, 3 se 7 March 2025 ko, aur wahan par jo unki commerce secretary hain unse mulakat hui aur America ke jo trade representative hain unse bhi mulakat hui. Uske alawa bharat sarkar americi sarkar se kai ek technical level pe is masle par batchit kar rahi hain taki donon deshon ke beech mei multi-sector bilateral trade agreement ka samzauta ho.
[Response in English]: India and the US are in the process of taking bilateral trade negotiations forward. The two governments are actively working to build a framework for the BTA, which would aim to expand trade, enhance market access, reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers, and deepen supply chain integration. In this endeavor, as I told you, our Commerce and Industry Minister had visited the United States from March 3-7, where he met with the US Commerce Secretary, as also US Trade Representative. Government of India remains engaged with the US administration at various levels to arrive at a mutually beneficial multi-sector bilateral trade agreement. So this is what I have to convey to you in response to your question.
Sahil, on your question regarding the comments made by the Polish Foreign Minister, see our position on Ukraine-Russia conflict is well known and understood as well. We have always advocated sincere and practical engagement between the two parties, and other stakeholders and key stakeholders through dialogue and diplomacy to arrive or to find a lasting resolution of the conflict. Our conversations with the two parties to the conflict, as well as with other stakeholders, have been in keeping with this larger approach.
Siddhant your question regarding External Affairs Minister's comments, and thereafter what the Pakistani side has put out. We also had made a statement two days back. If you look at the statement, you will get the answer to your question. In that particular statement, we had, among other things, mentioned that the world clearly knows that the real issue is Pakistan's active promotion and sponsorship of cross-border terrorism. In fact, this is the biggest roadblock to peace and security in the region.
Keshav, on the European Union, we had a wonderful visit by the President of the European Union to India. Defense is an important area of collaboration with the European Union for us, and this partnership is expanding on our side. We want to give boost to our defense exports and we hope that we will be able to do more on this account with the European Union, with countries in Europe as well.
Huma Siddiqui, Financial Express: I have two questions. One related to the women's rights in Afghanistan. So, does India recognize what Taliban is doing towards the women, not letting them talk and not letting them being heard? And my second question is that the Foreign Minister of Peru was here in India, and he talked about the FTA. So, any lead by when will that FTA be signed?
Santosh Thakur, Navbharat: Sir, Namaskar. Main Santosh Thakur, Navabharat se. Mera sir do sawal hain. Ek to Kailash Mansarovar Yatra kab se shuru hogi? Uske liye sir kya prakriya abhi tak shuru ho gai hai, ya uska pragati hai? Aur dusra sir, jo tariff ki backdrop me Bharat aur China ke beech me ye naye dostana sambandh kayam ho rahe hain, usme wo kya riyayatein maang rahe hain aur hum kya dekh rahe hain? Thank you.
[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, greetings. I am Santosh Thakur from Navabharat. Sir, I have two questions. First, when will the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra begin? Has any process for it started yet, or is there any progress on it? And second, in the backdrop of tariffs, as these new friendly relations are being established between India and China, what concessions are they demanding, and what are we observing? Thank you.
Yeshi Seli, Business India: Hi, this is Yeshi Seli from Business India. Recently concluded Raisina Dialogue had no participation from China, but yet we talk about some kind of a thaw between India and China. What's the reason why none of them are invited ?
Sudhi Ranjan Sen, Bloomberg: Thank you, sir. Sudhi Ranjan from Bloomberg. Sir on the issue of tariff, can you give us an understanding whether India has been able to reach any kind of a settlement, understanding with the United States on the reciprocal tariffs that are likely to hit India on April 2nd, a week away from now?
Manash Pratim Bhuyan, PTI: Manash from PTI. Just a clarification, are we expecting any kind of waiver from reciprocal tariff as we are having discussions with the U.S. government at multiple levels ... that's what you're saying? And if not, then what would be the kind of ...how we would react to it? And second question is a very short question, according to source-based reports, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh requested the U.S. DNI, during his meeting with her to just declare SFJ as a terrorist entity. So, can you and just in order to address this?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay. So first, we come to Huma, your question. See, on the women's rights issues, our position is very well known when it comes to such issues, so I would refer to you, our earlier remarks on this particular subject. In regard to FTA with Peru, I understand that these negotiations were launched sometime back, if I'm not mistaken, in 2017, and since then, we've had seven rounds of negotiations. The two sides have been in touch in recent times. They have engaged and there is a likelihood of resuming these talks soon. The eighth round of negotiations will happen, and for those dates are being worked out between the two sides. So, the process looks positive.
Santosh, Kailash Mansarovar Yatra ke bare mein sehmati bani hai ki 2025 me Kailash Mansarovar Yatra ki shuruwat hogi. Lekin kis prakar se shuruwat hogi, uski modalities kya honge, is pe baatchit honi hai, is pe baatchit chal rahi hai. Tariff ko le ke jo baat kahi, tariff ye America aur Bharat ke beech hai, America China ke beech hai?
[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Santosh, an agreement has been reached that the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra will begin in 2025. However, how it will commence and what its modalities will be—discussions are yet to take place on this, and talks are ongoing. Regarding the tariff issue you mentioned, the tariff is between America and India or between America and China ?
Okay. So China ke sath humari baat-cheet kai ek sire se chal rahi hai. Aur usme bahut saari cheezon pe baat-cheet chal rahi hai. Mere sangyan mein nahi hai ki ye jo granular details ki baat aapne kahi ki kis kis cheezon pe riyayat dene ki baat hai. Jab ispe mere paas update hoga, main aapse saajha karunga.
[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Okay. So our discussions with China are taking place on multiple fronts. And there are talks going on about many things. I am not aware of the granular details you mentioned regarding which specific things are being considered for concessions. When I have an update on this, I will share it with you.
Yeshi, see, on India-China talks, since we had the meeting between President of China and Prime Minister in Kazan, since then we've had engagement, constructive engagement at the level of External Affairs Minister, at the level of NSA. And Foreign Secretary also traveled to China in January where he met his counterpart. Subsequent to Foreign Secretary's travel, you also must have ... I gave you a readout on what External Affairs Minister, what he discussed with his Chinese counterpart on the sidelines of G20 in Johannesburg. So conversation and dialogue have been going on and they have been moving forward in the right direction. Several in-principle approvals or in-principle understanding has been reached, and hopefully these will go forward in the days ahead.
Sudhi and Manash, your questions regarding tariff, I have already given you what I had to, beyond that I don't have anything else to share. I would like to tell you that these talks, both sides are in conversation and hopefully will come to some sort of understanding.
Manash Pratim Bhuyan, PTI: Tariff coming on April 2?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: I gave you our approach to how we are talking to the United States on the bilateral trade agreement. And within the scope of the bilateral trade agreement, there is understanding that both countries will aim to expand trade, as I told you, enhance market access, reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers, and deepen supply chain integration. So we will have to wait for these talks to come to a closure.
The other question was regarding Tulsi Gabbard's meeting with Raksha Mantri. She met with Raksha Mantri and they discussed Security and Defense Cooperation. She also met with External Affairs Minister and National Security Advisor. During a meeting with her interlocutors in India ... on our side we conveyed our concerns regarding anti-India elements, anti-India activities of secessionist elements in Washington, and it is our expectation that the U.S. side will take appropriate action in this regard.
Siddhant Mishra, CNN-NEWS18: Hi sir, I am Siddhant from CNN-NEWS18. Sir, I want you to define India-Canada relations right now given there has been a positive signaling from Canadian side. In fact, there are reports would say that the CSIS Chief was in India for the Intel meet on the sidelines of Raisina Dialogue. Thank you.
Kallol Bhattacherjee, The Hindu: Kallol from The Hindu. Sir Ranjani Srinivasan is an Indian citizen and she is facing difficulties as we all know, and she is taking refuge in Canada. In her interview to us she said that she is seeking help from the Indian government, and also seeking help to get her tenure renewed in Columbia University and also other Visa related difficulties. Is there a way that the Government of India would be in a position to help. And secondly does the government of India recognize Hamas as a terror organization?
Neeraj Kumar Dubey, Prabhasakshi: Sir, Namaskar. Main Neeraj Dubey, Prabhasakshi se. Sir, Delhi me jo Pakistani Ucchaayog hai, usne kal apne Rashtriya Diwas par ek karyakram ka aayojan kiya, aur aisi reports hain ki usme koi Bharatiya adhikari maujood nahi tha. Mera sawal ye hai ki kya Pakistan ne koi nimantran diya tha Bharatiya adhikariyon ko waha pe aane ka?
[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, greetings. I am Neeraj Dubey from Prabhasakshi. Sir, the Pakistani High Commission in Delhi organized an event yesterday on its National Day, and there are reports that no Indian official was present. My question is, did Pakistan extend any invitation to Indian officials to attend the event?
Rishikesh, PTI: Rishikesh from PTI. There are reports indicating that Indians are facing intense scrutiny in the U.S. where they have H1 Visa or any other Visa. So is the Government aware about this. And a related question, have you started collecting data regarding this, that how many Indians are facing such scrutiny or how U.S. law agencies are enquiring about this thing?
William, Central News Agency (Taiwan): Good afternoon sir. I am William from Central News Agency of Taiwan. I would love to ask you about this recent Raisina dialogue. There's a top official from Taiwan have an opening speech in the dialogue. Do you think it's a big step for our relationship between Taiwan-India and also, can you give me some opinions about what do you think we can in Taiwan and India government can do together for defending Global South?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay. Sidhant first your question regarding Canada. The downturn in India-Canada relations was caused by the license that was given to the extremist and secessionist elements in that country. Our hope is that we can rebuild our ties based on mutual trust and sensitivity.
Kallol regarding Ranjani Srinivasan, we are not aware of her getting in touch with our Consulate or our Embassy for any help. We only came to know of her departure from the United States through media reports. And through the media reports, we understand that she has gone to Canada.
On the other question regarding Hamas, our position on Hamas is well known to you. So I would reiterate once again ... our position.
Niraj, Pakistan high commission mei unhone Nowruz ka tyohar manaya, kya unhone kisiko bulaya iske baare mei mujhe abhi pukta si jankari nahi hain, lekin is mudde pe aapko update karunga. Aur jahan tak nimantran ka sawal hota hain, toh nimantran toh rishton pe nirbhar karta hain na. Nimantran ka aadar karte hain, nimantran ka swikar karna woh toh rishton pe nirbhar karta hain. Aur main aapse ye bhi kahunga ki jo humne 2 din pahle statement jari kiya hain, us statement ko agar aap paini najar se dekh lijiyega, aapke jitne sawal hain sabka jawab mil jayega.
[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Niraj, regarding the Pakistan High Commission celebrating the festival of Nowruz, I do not have confirmed information at the moment on whether they invited anyone, but I will update you on this matter. As for invitations, they depend on relationships, don't they? Invitations are respected ... accepting them depends on the nature of the relationship. I would also urge you to take a close look at the statement we issued two days ago. If you examine it carefully, you will find answers to all the questions you have asked.
We have a large number of students in United States, and this number is also growing, knowledge partnership and participation of our students or enrollment of our students in universities in the United States and the expansion of knowledge partnership is an important element in our relationship. And we want to foster these ties further.
Now, as to how many students are facing any problem, etc. If there is an Indian student who is facing any problem, the consulate or the embassy is there to help them with their well-being, with their safety. And we would continue if there is any Indian student who would like a helping hand. Our Consulate and our Government, the Embassy is there to help them out.
On the issue of Visa and immigration policy, I told you what I had to say earlier, that it is our expectation that when our Indian nationals go abroad, they must also abide by local laws and regulations.
William, we had large number of stakeholders participating in the Raisina Dialogue 2025. I remember if my memory serves me right, over 3,500 guests both from India and abroad participated. And it was a successful Dialogue. We want to strengthen with all the stakeholders who came. We want to strengthen our conversation and we also want to strengthen our relationship in every which way with all of them.
Alexander, Rossiyskaya Gazeta: Thank you for the opportunity. Alexander, Rossiyskaya Gazeta. Sir, as you may know, Foreign Minister Lavrov of Russia celebrates his 75th birthday today. Given the well-known personal chemistry between Foreign Minister Lavrov and Foreign Minister Jaishankar, I was wondering, has Mr. Jaishankar reached out to Foreign Minister Lavrov privately or publicly? Thank you.
Reza, Hindustan Times: Reza from Hindustan Times. Zakir Naik, who is a fugitive from India, justice, you know, he has resurfaced in Pakistan again and has been meeting leading figures of the ruling party of Pakistan. How does, you know, India look at this, given that we want him back in India to face justice?
Ranjana, UNF: Sir, Ranjana from UNF. So, the New Zealand Prime Minister was here, Christopher Luxon. So, Prime Minister Modi during the talks asked him to take care ... like he raised the topic of anti-India elements in New Zealand, and he said that the New Zealand side has given assurance that they will tackle them. But in his comments to Prime Minister Luxon, in his comments to the New Zealand accompanying media, he said that he wasn't aware of Khalistan elements doing anything anti-national and he couldn't give any, say anything about any assurance given. So, what was the kind of assurance that he gave to the Indian Prime Minister? Thank you.
Shivam, Reuters News: Hi Sir, I am Shivam from Reuters News. Sir, I have a question on US-India trade talks. Kya Brendan Lynch, jo Assistant US Trade Representative hain woh India aa rahe hain next week for any trade talks? Just wanted a confirmation on that.
Kavita: Sir, just one thing, on India-New Zealand-FTA talks, is there a deadline, is there a timeline that India-New Zealand are following?
Huma Siddiqui, Financial Express: Sir, though you have already responded yesterday, I still want to understand, what is India's position on Israel's attack in Gaza and across Middle East?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Alexander, well, we wish a very happy birthday to Foreign Minister Lavrov, and whether there has been any exchange between External Affairs Minister or Foreign Minister Lavrov, I am not aware, but I will surely check. But all our good wishes are with him.
Reza, regarding Zakir Naik, you know, this is not the first time that he has been treated in Pakistan. And obviously, it shows, you know, the kind of approach his hosts have and what it means for us, and what it means in terms of giving so much of support to a person who is wanted here.
Ranjana, we, during the visit of Prime Minister of New Zealand ... we had extensive talks between both Prime Ministers. If you were to look at the press statement that our Prime Minister made, it was very clear that we conveyed our concerns on anti-India activities of elements in New Zealand. And it is our hope that we will receive support from the New Zealand side in tackling these issues, which are of concern to us.
Shivam, on trade talks, I guess you walked into the room a little late. But I have already spoken and given you how the Government of India is approaching these talks. And there are conversations; there are contacts at several levels within the government. So, I am not very sure about the visit of this particular official. But I shall give you an update on that. But contacts and conversations are happening. Sumita, on FTA, India-New Zealand, the commitment from both sides is very strong. And you would have heard both leaders spoke about the Free Trade Agreement. Both leaders talked about the high commitment on their side to conclude the FTA as soon as possible. So, we are hopeful that this commitment will come to a logical conclusion soon.
Huma, on your question, I would only refer to you the statement that we have issued. I do have a copy of it here. So, I would refer you to it. But I would nonetheless repeat what we have said, what we have put out. We are concerned at the situation in Gaza. It is important that all hostages are released. We also call for supply of humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza to be sustained.
Kallol Bhattacherjee, The Hindu: More than 140 children were killed in the lethal bombing out of those 400. A lot of talks are being held all over the world. Why isn't there an Indian statement on that particular thing? Because it is really a dire humanitarian situation, isn't it?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Yes, Kallol, if you read our statement, you will see that we are concerned at the situation in Gaza. This is what we have said.
Jugal Purohit, BBC: Sir, the UN Secretary General was recently, just last week, to the Cox's Bazaar at the Rohingya refugee camp. And owing to a number of factors, UN agencies have said that the situation in those camps is perhaps the worst it has been after 2017 when they were formed. Given that India has, in the past, through Operation Insaniyat and also through help in Myanmar, reached out to those refugees, I would like to understand if India is likely to take a position on that and offer any support.
And, sir, a clarification on the issue of Badar Khan Suri, who is arrested in the US. His own university has come out in defense and said that there is no illegal activity that they are aware of. Just to understand the procedure, sir, in a case like this, is India well within its right to reach out in a proactive manner and offer support to an Indian national who has been accused of very grave charges? Thank you.
Rishabh Madhavendra Pratap, Times Now: Good evening, Sir. Rishabh from Times Now. Sir, Islamabad has sought US intervention and accused India of sponsoring terror. Especially, you know, Pakistan minister accuses India of terrorism, rules of fresh military operation, you know, in Baluchistan area or KPK. And there have been nine such attacks in that area. And they are clearly accusing India and ask US to intervene in this case.
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: So, first, to answer Rishabh's question, please look at our statement. We have issued a statement on this matter. So, I would urge you to look at that.
On the question of the Indian student, Badar Khan Suri, as I told you, neither the student nor the Government, they have got in touch with us. If they get in touch with us, then we will see how to best to engage in this particular matter.
On the Rohingya issue, India-Bangladesh relations, as you see, as you know, it is a wide canvas. And we have been engaged with Bangladesh on several issues, development cooperation, economic matters, on issues of connectivity, so on and so forth. So, on this particular issue, I don't have ... if there is any update on this particular matter. But I will surely get back to you as to what are the new ... is there anything that we are particularly going to look into at this point in time. Thank you.
With that ... thank you very much for your presence.
New Delhi
March 21, 2025
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