Transcript of Weekly Media Briefing by the Official Spokesperson (April 17, 2025)
India - Ministry of External Affairs
April 17, 2025
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Good afternoon friends, I welcome you to this press briefing and with that I open the floor for questions. So we start.
Sidhant Sibal, WION: Sidhant from WION. My question is on the remarks made by the Pakistani Army Chief raking Kashmir, and also mentioning the two nation theory about ... so what is the Indian reaction on that?
Krishna Mohan Sharma, Bharat Express: Sir, Krishna Mohan Sharma, from Bharat Express. Jis tarike se Bangladesh ki sthiti thi woh chintajanak thi. Jo 24 South Pargana mein hua, jis tarah se Murshidabad ke logon ka wahan par paya gaya ... involvement paya gaya, toh kya hum usmei apni narazgi koi unko vyakt kar rahe hain?
[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, Krishna Mohan Sharma from Bharat Express. The situation in Bangladesh was concerning, especially what happened in South 24 Parganas and the involvement of people from Murshidabad found there. So, are we expressing our displeasure to them in any way regarding this?
Neeraj Kumar Dubey, Prabhasakshi: Sir, Trump ke tariff ke beech Americi Up-rashtrapati Bharat daure par aa rahe hain. Kya Pradhan Mantri Modi se jab milenge toh tariff focus ka ek mahatvapurna mudda hoga? Aur Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra ki shurwat ko lekar koi Bharat aur China ke beech tarikh ko lekar sehmati ban gayi hain?
[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, amidst Trump's tariffs, the U.S. Vice President is coming on a visit to India. When he meets Prime Minister Modi, will tariffs be an important point of focus? And has there been any agreement between India and China regarding the date for the commencement of the Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra?
Ubeer Naqushbandi, The Tribune: Sir, this is Ubeer from the Tribune. Sir, my question is about ... Australia has launched a visa crackdown on Indians from five states including Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat and UP and Bihar. So, has Government taken note of it?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Can you come again, Ubeer?
Ubeer Naqushbandi, The Tribune: Sir, I am saying Australia has launched visa crackdown on Indians.
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Visa cut down?
Ubeer Naqushbandi, The Tribune: Crackdown. Indians from five states.
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay.
Sahil Pandey, ANI: Sir, Good Afternoon. I am Sahil Pandey from ANI. Sir, Belgium just confirmed that they have arrested Mehul Choksi and also confirmed that India has asked for the extradition. Is there any update regarding that, Sir?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay. So, let's go to these five questions first. Sidhant, regarding your question on the comments, see, how can anything foreign be there in a jugular vein?
This is a union territory of India. Its only relationship with Pakistan is the vacation of illegally occupied territories by that country. So, this is my response to your question.
Krishna Mohan ji, jahan tak Bangladeshiyon ka sawal aapne kaha. Jo bhi videshi nagrik hamare desh mei rahte hain, chahe woh vaidh roop se rahe, ya avaidh roop se rahain, ye masla jo hain hamare gruh mantralaya ka hain. Aur gruh mantralay uske alawa jo bhi rajya hain unke jo tantra hain is par woh kaam karte hain, vidhivat, kanoonvadh jo hamare guidelines hain uske mutabik.
[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Mr. Krishna Mohan, as far as your question about Bangladeshis is concerned—any foreign nationals residing in our country, whether legally or illegally—this issue falls under the purview of our Ministry of Home Affairs. The Home Ministry, along with the respective state authorities, works on this matter in accordance with the prescribed legal guidelines.
Neeraj America ke uprashtrapati bharat aa rahe hain. Uske bare mei hum logon ne aapko jankari di, unki yatra 21 se 24 april tak hain. Us yatra ke darmeiyaan unki mulakat bharat ke pradhan mantri se hogi. Us dauran jo batchit hogi usmei jitne mudde hain bharat aur america ke beech, dwipakshiya mudde hain unpe batchit hogi. Uske alawa aapka sawal tha Kailash Mansarovar yatra ko le ke, toh Kailash Mansarovar yatra jo hain, hum log uspe jald hi kuch aur notice public ke liye jari karenge. Aur jald hi yatra shurwat hone ki sambhavana hain. Ye mere paas abhi aap ki jankari ke liye, main ye aapke sangyan mei lana chahta hoon.
[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi]: Neeraj, we have already informed you about the U.S. Vice President's visit to India, which will take place from April 21 to 24. During this visit, he will meet with the Prime Minister of India. The discussions held during that meeting will cover all bilateral issues between India and the United States.
As for your question about the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, we will soon issue a public notice regarding it, and there is a strong possibility that the yatra will begin shortly. This is the information I have, and I wanted to bring it to your attention.
Ubeer, regarding your question on visa matters, you know, visa matters are sovereign matters. So, whether Australia wants to issue or any other one country wants to visa to X or Y, it is their prerogative. So, that is how we look at it.
Sahil, we, on Mehul Choksi case, as you are aware, based on our extradition request, he was arrested in Belgium. We are closely working with the Belgian side for his extradition to India so that he can face trial in the country.
Santosh Thakur, Navbharat: Santosh Thakur Navbharat se. Sir China ne ya bola hain ki America se ladhne ke liye Bharat jo hain woh uske saath hath milaye tarrif war ko lekar. Toh uspe bharat ki kya soch hain?
[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Santosh Thakur from Navbharat. Sir, China has said that India should join hands with it to confront the U.S. over the tariff war. What is India's stance on this?
Jugal Purohit, BBC: Hi sir, this is Jugal from the BBC. So, the question is, today, as this conference is going on, the Pakistani Foreign Secretary is in Bangladesh. I understand it is the first meeting between the two sides at that level in 15 years. How does India view these developments? Does it show the distance that Bangladesh has travelled both, you know, away from India and possibly towards Pakistan, if you can clarify?
The other aspect is that US-Iran talks on nuclear deal are ongoing. The second round is due very soon. As a country that shares civilizational and cultural links with Iran, what is India's stand on this?
And if you can update us on the invite for the Prime Minister to visit Russia .... If you can update us on the invite of the Prime Minister to visit Russia, which I think you mentioned last time around.
Ajay Banerjee, The Tribune: Sir, Good Afternoon. Ajay Banerjee from the Tribune, this side. Sir, I need a little clarification. Is the route for the Mansarovar Yatra. Is the route via Demchok also being considered? There was some kind of a survey being done for the route's viability to go into Mansarovar. Or are we sticking to the old route?
Suhasini Haidar, The Hindu: This is Suhasini Haider from the Hindu. I want to ask about a number of events involving Indians in trouble in the United States. An Indian student is part of a group of four who have now gone and petitioned after being asked to self-deport. And said that, his student visa has been revoked. Dozens of other Indians have received such messages. There are tourists who have complained ... Indian tourists who have complained that they have been stopped or treated badly, mistreated, put through security checks when they enter the US. There are green card holders who are Indian citizens who have been denied re-entry into the US. My question is, several European countries have now issued travel advisories for people wanting to go to the US. Others are putting out advisories for students in particular. And there are embassies in the US who are supporting their citizenry there. What is the Ministry of External Affairs really doing for Indians who find themselves on the wrong side of a new administration there, and for no fault of their own seem to be prosecuted there?
Megha Sharma, NewsX: Megha Sharma from NewsX. I would just like to get any information or update on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Saudi visit. What are the key points that are likely to be part of the discussion between the two leaders and is IMEEC going to be a topic of conversation?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay, mere pass paanch sawal hain. Santosh ji pehla sawal aapka. Dekhiye jahan tariff ka mudda hain, is mudde pe hamari americi sarkar ke saath baat ho rahi hain, aur lagatar ho rahi hain taaki hum log ye jo bilateral trade agreement ki baat kar rahe hain usko jald se jald ek roop diya jaye. Jahan tak aapke sawal mei jo dusra paksh hain, China ki baat hain, China ke sath hamari batchit chal rahi hain anya mudde par aur usko hum dheere dheere aage le ja rahe hain jaisa ki maine abhi bataya ki Kailash Mansarovar yatra ke baare mei ek expectation hain ki jaldi hi shurwat hogi aur hum log jald hi logon ke liye notice bhi jari karenge. Toh ye donon mudde jo hain, unko aap alag-alag rakh ke dekha jaye.
[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Okay, I have five questions. Santosh ji, your first question—regarding the issue of tariffs, we are in continuous discussions with the U.S. government so that the ongoing talks about a bilateral trade agreement can be concluded at the earliest.
As for the second part of your question, concerning China, we are engaged in dialogue with China on other matters, and that is progressing. As I mentioned earlier, there is an expectation that the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra will begin soon, and we will be issuing a notice for the public shortly. So, these two issues should be viewed separately.
Jugal regarding your question about the visit of Foreign Secretary of Pakistan to Bangladesh. Yes, we have taken note of it. On your question as to what are our comments on ongoing US-Iran talks. Well, we see the ongoing US-Iran talks as a positive development. We have always stood for dialogue and diplomacy, as the way forward on such issues. We hope it would lead to the resolution of the matter, to the mutual satisfaction of all concerned and contribute to peace and stability in the region.
On Russia invitation, yes, Prime Minister has received invitation. And as I had said last time in the presser that our participation in the Victory Day celebration will be announced at the appropriate time.
Ajay, on Mansarovar yatra, I do not have any visibility on the granular details that you have asked for. What I do understand is that the yatra will happen this year. And, you know, we are making preparations and more information would be put out for the public soon.
Suhasini, on your question regarding Indian students and travelers to the United States. We are aware that several Indian students have received communication from the US Government regarding their F-1 visa status, which happens to be the student visa. We are looking into the matter. Our Embassy and Consulate, they are in touch with the students to provide support. So, that is how I would respond to your question.
Megha, on the Prime Minister's visit, we should be making an announcement soon. Also, there will be a press briefing before the visit. So, please hold on. If the visit takes place and we announce the visit, obviously it is a bilateral relationship, which is very important. And all aspects of this strategic partnership will be discussed. Saudi Arabia is a very important partner for us in several respects. And the relationship has seen expansion in all areas in the last several years. So, we look forward to a fruitful visit. But please wait for the announcement of the visit.
Siddhant, CNN News18: Hi Sir, I am Siddhant from CNN News18. Sir, my question is regarding India's participation in Def Expo in Tanzania. And also the Military Exercises happening off the coast of East Africa
Ileana, TASS News Agency: Good afternoon, Ileana from TASS News Agency. My question is on the RIC format; Russia, India, China, trilateral grouping. What is India's assessment of strengthening this RIC format, and especially in the current geopolitical situation and how India sees the development of this trilateral grouping, and when India like thinks ... may meeting in this format resume on the level Foreign Ministers or may be leaders. Thank you.
Nirmala Ganapathy, The Straits Times: Hi, Nirmala from the Straits Times. I just wanted to ask you how would you kind of describe India-Bangladesh ties, economic ties, given that Bangladesh has restricted import of Indian yarn and also the transshipment issue. And also does the global trade conditions ... does it kind of give cause for greater economic integration in South Asia?
Keshav Padmanabhan, ThePrint: Sir, thank you. Keshav Padmanabhan from ThePrint. I think it was the evening before last, when Prime Minister Modi held a telephonic conversation with his Danish counterpart. At any point during the phone call, did India perchance the Prime Minister reiterate his support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Denmark; and were issues around that potentially discussed given what is happening in the global world when it comes to Denmark and U.S. ties. Thank you.
Seema: Any update on India-China air links? When will that happen?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay, so Sidhant, DefExpo and the exercise that you talked about, our Minister of State for Defense had traveled to Tanzania recently to be part of the first edition of India-Africa multinational maritime exercise. So, this was the first edition. It was co-hosted by Tanzania and India. First time that we did a multinational exercise involving nine countries off the coast of Africa and those nine countries are Tanzania, Comoros, Djibouti, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles and South Africa. This exercise was an important ... it was hosted by Tanzania. It was an important milestone in India-Tanzania relations, but also our relationship with Africa in general. This exercise positions both India and Africa in a leadership role as far as regional security is concerned, security of Indian Ocean region is concerned, in line with our vision of MAHASAGAR. On this particular exercise, I think it finishes on 18th.
On the sidelines of this exercise, we also had a DefExpo. Several countries participated. India was also one of them and around two dozen Indian companies, they displayed the defense products as part of this defense expo show.
Ileana, on your question about RIC, see RIC is a platform which serves as a consultative mechanism between the three countries on our conversation on global and regional issues. The conversation under the RIC format will resume at an appropriate time, when the three countries involved, they mutually decide to take it forward.
Nirmala, your question regarding India-Bangladesh ties. You know, several times we have said that ... and this was repeated when a Prime Minister met the Chief Advisor in Bangladesh ... India looks forward to having a positive and constructive relationship with Bangladesh. We stand for a democratic, for an inclusive, and for a prosperous Bangladesh. As far as trade issues are concerned, last week we had made an announcement regarding transshipment facility. We had taken that measure because of the congestion that we see on our Ports and our Airports. But I would also remind you, please do have a look at the developments that have happened on the Bangladeshi side prior to us announcing these measures. As far as your issue about regional integration and trade is concerned, our announcement regarding transshipment, it in no manner impacts Bangladesh's exports to Nepal and Bhutan. So, you know, we do have that in mind that regional trade needs to be promoted. So that is how I would look at India-Bangladesh ties. We have continued to call for constructive and positive engagement in our relationship.
Keshav, yes, Prime Minister did have a telephone conversation with the Prime Minister of Denmark. I think it happened on two days back, that is on 15th. With Denmark we have a very strong partnership, partnership which is based on doing sustainable ... the sustainable agenda together. We have a strategic green partnership with Denmark. We also have a lot of Danish investments in clean, green and tech sectors and likewise Indian companies are also participating in the tech sectors and several other economic aspects of Denmark. During the telecon, both leaders, they discussed global issues as well and regional issues as well, and the Prime Minister also conveyed that he looks forward to meeting the Prime Minister of Denmark on the sidelines of the third Nordic Summit which is to be held later this year. So it was a positive conversation, it was a good conversation, a conversation which has given a push to Denmark-India ties.
Seema, on flight. See, in principle both countries have agreed that flight operations will resume. The technical teams on both sides are looking into the arrangement, the technical arrangements for the flight services to resume. I will try to give you an update. When Foreign Secretary had visited, in principle as I told you, it was agreed that when Foreign Secretary had visited Beijing, that is, that both sides had agreed to resume direct air services. It was also agreed that relevant technical authorities would meet and negotiate an updated framework. An updated framework is something that is required to begin direct flight services. The two civil aviation authorities have met, and are discussing the relevant modalities including the updated framework. So once this updated framework, which is a technical level discussion, arrangements between the civil aviation authorities of both sides, we will see this direct flight connectivity, and air services connectivity between both countries restored.
Seema: Is there a timeline?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: I don't have a timeline at this point in time, but to say that technical level discussions are happening, which means that things are moving in the right direction.
Kallol Bhattacherjee, The Hindu: Kallol Bhattacherjee from The Hindu. Sir it's very interesting that you have asked us to look at developments that have taken place on the Bangladeshi side. In this context, would you also refer to the development that has taken place three days ago, that is, Bangladesh stopping export of yarn to India?
Jay Prakash Ranjan, Dainik Jagran: Sir main Jay Prakash, Dainik Jagran se. Abhi sir do din, teen din pehle Cheen ke ambassador ne bataya tha ki 85,000 Indians ko visa diya gaya hai. Aap bata sakte hain ki Bharat ki kya sthiti hai, Bharat ne kitna visa diya hai aur jo business community ki demand thi ki specialized visa diya jaye Chinese laborers ko ya experts ko, uski kya sthiti hai?
[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, I am Jay Prakash from Dainik Jagran. Just a couple of days ago, the Chinese ambassador mentioned that visas have been granted to 85,000 Indians. Could you tell us what the situation is from India's side—how many visas has India issued, and what is the status of the business community's demand for specialized visas for Chinese laborers or experts?
Shivam Patel, Reuters News: Hi, Sir. Thank you. Shivam here from Reuters News. So China has taken a stand against President Donald Trump's tariffs. Is there a situation ... China is also looking for enhanced trade with other countries. There is some reporting that China has also reached out to India with discounted offers on certain products. In the future, are we going to see enhanced trade, or are we sort of looking at any offers from China on this front?
Rishabh Madhavendra Pratap, Times Now: Good Evening, sir. Rishabh from Times Now. Sir, the day Tahawwur Rana was extradited to India; in a press conference last Thursday, Pakistan made a comment that Tahawwur Rana has not renewed his Pakistani document, and he is a Canadian citizen. In a way, washing their hands of Tahawwur Rana. Any comments on that from India?
Also, there are reports that on 23rd of April, a few political parties are planning to do gherao Indian High Commission in Dhaka on the issue of Waqf Amendment Act that has been passed by the Parliament. Any comment on that, sir?
Neeraj Kumar Dubey, Prabhasakshi: Namaskar. Main Neeraj Dubey, Prabhasakshi se. Sir, mera sawal hai ki QUAD ka kya hua, kyunki tariffs ko lekar jis tareeke se Australia aur Japan ne bhi America se naraazgi jatai hai. Aapne kaha ki Bharat ki vyapaar vartaa America se chal rahi hai, lekin ek taraf Cheen se bhi humare sambandhon mein sudhaar ho raha hai. To iss saal Bharat mein QUAD vartaa hone waali hai. To kya bhavishya nazar aa raha hai sir aapko?
[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Greetings. I am Neeraj Dubey from Prabhasakshi. Sir, my question is — what is the status of the QUAD, considering the way Australia and Japan have also expressed displeasure with the U.S. over tariffs? You mentioned that India is engaged in trade talks with the U.S., but at the same time, our relations with China are also improving. So, with the QUAD dialogue scheduled to take place in India this year, how do you see the future, sir?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Kallol, regarding developments in Bangladesh, you are an informed journalist. You follow all developments closely, as we do. So, I would urge you to look at all the developments that have happened.
JP, visa ko lekar dekhiye, China ke sath hamari batchit chal rahi hai aur kai ek star par chal rahi hain. Aur us batchit ke dauran hum logon ne bahot saare muddon pe batchit ki, usmei people to people, logon ke beech mei aavajahi ke baare mei, direct air services ke baare mei, Kailash Mansarovar yatra ke baare mei, toh lajmi hain ki ye sab baatain jab karenge toh usmei jo visa ki jo padhati hain usmei bhi ek prakar se donon deshon ke beech mei sehmati banegi ki kya karna hain. Aaapne ek aankda diya china ke taraf se, mere paas ye aankda nahi hain, lekin maine jaise kaha ki in sabhi chizon pe batchit chal rahi hain.
[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] JP, regarding the visa issue—our discussions with China are ongoing and taking place at multiple levels. During these talks, we have discussed a variety of issues, including people-to-people exchanges, movement between the two countries, direct air services, and the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
Naturally, when all these topics are being discussed, there will also be some understanding reached between the two countries on the visa process—on what needs to be done.
You mentioned a specific figure from the Chinese side—I don't have the data from our side with me—but as I said, discussions on all these matters are ongoing.
Shivam, on your question -- see, I have said this before as well, but I would like to repeat it for the sake of your question. During when our Foreign Secretary visited China in January this year, both sides agreed to resume, extend dialogue mechanisms for functional exchanges in a step-by-step manner to address each other's priority areas of interest and concern. Specific concerns in the economic and trade areas, including India's trade deficit, will be discussed through relevant mechanisms with a view to resolving these issues and promoting long-term policy transparency and predictability.
Rishabh, on your question, Pakistan may try very hard, but its reputation as the epicenter of global terrorism will not diminish. The extradition of Rana is a reminder yet again to Pakistan that it needs to act to bring to justice other perpetrators of Mumbai terror attacks, whom it continues to shield.
On Waqf, you would have seen debates, discussions, also all the elements of Waqf bill. This is an internal matter of India. The Waqf Amendment Bill proposes several inclusive policies to make the amendment bill more inclusive, more progressive, so that there are greater benefits to the intended beneficiaries.
Unidetified Speaker: Sir, Tahawwur Rana pe ... [inaudible]
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Dekhiye ... Tahawwur Rana pe? Dekhiye, Pakistan chahe kitni chahe uski ek reputation ki woh duniya mei aatankwaad ka kendrabindu hain, epicenter hain, ye bana rahega chahe woh apne aap ko is prakar ki bayanbaji dekar door karna chahye. Aur Rana ki jo extradition hui hain woh ek baar phir is baat ko ujagar karta hain ki Pakistan jin logon ko sharan de raha hain, jo mumbai attack mei jo log jimmewar hain unko jald se jald kanoon ke samne laya jaye aur kadi se kadi karyawahi karain taki jo bhi doshi log hain, itna bada aatanki hamla hua tha, duniyabhar mei uski charcha hui, itne saare log mare gaye, ye sharmnaak hain ki Pakistan aaj tak uspar abhi tak aage nahi badha hain.
[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Look, regarding Tahawwur Rana—no matter how much Pakistan tries, its reputation as the global epicenter of terrorism will remain. These kinds of statements will not distance it from that image. Rana's extradition once again highlights the fact that Pakistan has been giving shelter to those responsible for the Mumbai attacks. They must be brought before the law as soon as possible, and the strictest action should be taken against them. Such a massive terrorist attack took place, it was discussed all over the world, so many people lost their lives—it's shameful that Pakistan has still not taken meaningful action on it.
Neeraj, QUAD ke baare mei, dekhiye QUAD ka bhavishya ujjwal hain aur QUAD ki tarikh jab charon desh mil kar tay karenge tab phir aapko bataya jayega ki QUAD ki shikar sammelan hoga woh kab hoga.
[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Neeraj, regarding the QUAD—look, the future of the QUAD is bright. Once all four countries jointly decide on the date, you will be informed when the QUAD summit will take place.
Unidentified Speaker, DW News: Thank you sir, I am [Inaudible] from DW News. My question is regarding the visit of JD Vance, upcoming, it will be the first highest ranking visit after the so called Liberation day, what are India's expectations? what will talks focus on?
Raghavendra Verma, ZDF (German Television): Raghavendra Verma from ZDF (German Television). My question is once again about the export ban from the land group in Bangladesh of Indian yarn. One of the reasons given by Bangladesh, as per the reports there, is that it led to money laundering. Are you aware that this land trade committed any kind of money laundering?
And secondly, this is kind of a tit-for-tat for what happened last week. And the Indian yarn manufacturers are already complaining, and also the finished apparel makers, due to the import of Bangladeshi apparel in India. So do we expect further ban in any way of the Bangladeshi goods in India, especially in apparel?
Agni Roy, ABP: This is Agni from ABP. Sir, it is reported that Iranian Foreign Minister is coming to India early next month. Can you throw some light on the upcoming meeting's agenda with special reference to Chabahar Port?
Kunal Dutt, PTI: Kunal here from PTI, sir. Just few days ago, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at a tourism conference here in New Delhi, he was asked about the travel advisories that have been issued in the past related to J&K. His response was that the firm advisories need to be watered down or perhaps MEA should use its diplomatic might to perhaps bring to a level that is more palatable. And that he said that he will be working, I mean his government will be working with the MEA. So if you have any response on that, Sir.
Shailesh Kumar, National Defense: Good Evening, sir. Shailesh from National Defense, sir. May you please update us about the situation, de-escalation and disengagement at border? What is the current situation, sir? Because it's been a long time we asked for... And second thing, since Vice President JD Vance is coming, would there be any specific talk regarding Indo-Pacific security, sir? And if you may allow, sir, would there be comeback of TikTok in future, sir, near future?
Ajay Banerjee, The Tribune: Sir, thank you. Ajay Banerjee. Sir, when we sent our relief under Operation Brahma to Myanmar, Indian Air Force pilots reported back of GPS spoofing of the land, airports underneath missing, the entire terrain getting blocked. Have we taken up this with Myanmar since we were doing the relief operations? And have we identified who was doing this? Because, Myanmar authorities may not be doing it. Somebody else can do it.
Suhasini Haidar, The Hindu: Actually my question is about a different extradition case on 28th March. An Indian national who I think lives in Finland, Sanal Edamaruku, was arrested in Poland. Apparently on an Indian request, he is wanted in India, I think on blasphemy charges. I just wanted to get a sense, it's three weeks now as India asked for an extradition of Sanal Edamaruku? And is he on any kind of an Interpol red notice? Because it's not available on their website.
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay. So, first coming to the visit of the US Vice President, as we have said, as I told you, we also have, Press Release giving details of his visit, of the cities that he is visiting, the programs that he is going to have. This is an Official Visit. He will be meeting the Prime Minister. And with the United States of America, we have a Comprehensive Strategic Global Partnership. So, when you have that level of partnership with any country, obviously you will discuss all relevant issues. And with America, with the United States, of course, our relationship is such that we are doing anything that is part of human endeavor ... forms part of our bilateral engagement. So, all these issues, bilateral issues will be discussed. And we are very positive that the visit will give a further boost to our bilateral ties.
Raghvendra, your question regarding ... see, last week we had made an announcement regarding trans-shipment and the reason why it was done. Also, I would like to urge you, as I had told Kallol earlier, that you should also look at some of the developments that happened. That will give you a perspective of where things are, because you specifically asked about tit-for-tat. We put out ... we undertook certain action because of certain compulsions on our side. So, that you must keep in mind. That will give you a perspective of how we are approaching the issue.
Agni, I dont have details about the visit that you referred to. But once we have more details about it, we will surely inform you.
Kunal, see, when we engage with the world at large, with all our important partners across the world, we talk about economic issues, we talk about tourism connect, we talk about technology connect. All these elements are very important. We have a large number of tourists from abroad who visit India. And we also discuss as to how we can create more efficient ways of engaging on tourism front. So, all these are a part of our ongoing engagement with the world at large and partners across the world.
Shailesh, on the issues that you asked, we had a meeting of the WMCC recently in China. And we also had Joint Secretary level Foreign Office Consultations or Foreign Office Engagement. We have given details of all the issues that were discussed. So, I would refer you to please have a look at that. It also will give you the kind of issues that we are discussing bilaterally.
On the question of Indo-Pacific, and what will be discussed during the visit of the US Vice President ... all issues of importance will be discussed as part of his visit here.
On Ajay's specific question, I think there has been some clarity given by MoD or Indian Air Force in regard to your question. So, I would refer you to please have a look at that.
With that, ladies and gentlemen, we will come to the close of this conversation. Thank you very much. Tomorrow is a holiday, but Saturday we will meet.
Hopefully, we may have a press briefing. Thank you.
New Delhi
April 17, 2025
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