Transcript of Weekly Media Briefing by the Official Spokesperson (May 13, 2025)
India - Ministry of External Affairs
May 13, 2025
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Good evening, namaskar, ladies and gentlemen, I welcome you to this press briefing and we'll start with questions.
Sidhant Sibal, WION: Hi, Sir, Sidhant. Sir, we saw a post, social media post by the U.S. President Donald Trump in which he had basically talked about a solution on Kashmir, talking about India and Pakistan. Your reaction to this ?
And secondly, sir, my other question is on India-Pakistan ceasefire or understanding, the conversation during which all countries led to this ceasefire, what was India's view on that, on mediation, and what did India convey to these countries?
Jessica Taneja, DD India: Hi, Sir, this is Jessica Taneja for DD India. Now that both sides have agreed for stopping the firing and military action, what will happen to the Indus Waters Treaty? Pakistan has said that stopping of water will be considered as an act of war. What are your views on this?
Kadambini Sharma: Kadambini Sharma, independent journalist. Sir, Donald Trump ne ek bayan diya hain ki unhone ceasefire jo hua hain woh unhone trade ka hawala dekar karaya hain toh kya pradhanmantri Modi aur Donald Trump ke beech trade ko lekar koi baat hui hain is sandarbh mei?
[Approximate translation: Question in Hindi: Sir, Donald Trump has made a statement saying that the ceasefire that has taken place was facilitated by him using trade as leverage. So, in this context, has there been any discussion between Prime Minister Modi and Donald Trump regarding this?]
Siddhant Mishra, CNN News18: Hi, sir, I am Siddhant from CNN News18. Sir, any reaction to a statement which came from Pakistan's Foreign Ministry on Prime Minister Modi's speech from frontline Adampur airbase?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay, let me take these questions and then we will come back for more.
So Sidhant, regarding your question. As you are aware, we have a long-standing national position that any issues pertaining to the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir have to be addressed by India and Pakistan bilaterally. That stated policy has not changed. As you are aware, the outstanding matter is the vacation of illegally occupied Indian Territory by Pakistan.
For people like Manish, aapke liye main hindi mei rupantar kar de raha hoon.
[Approximate translation: Answer in Hindi For people like Manish, I will now translate this into Hindi.]
Hamara lambe arse se yahin rashtriya paksha raha hain ki bhartiya Kendra shashit pradesh Jammu aur Kashmir se sambandhit kisi bhi mudde ko Bharat aur pakistan ko dwipakshiya tarike se hi hal karna hain. Is neeti mei koi badlav nahi hua hain. Jaisa ki aap jante hain lambit mamla keval Pakistan dwara awaidh roop se kabja kiye gaye bhartiya kshetra ko khali karne ka hain.
Siddhant, you had another question regarding ceasefire and what sort of role other countries played, etc. See, the specific date, time and wording of the understanding was worked out between the DGMOs of the two countries at their phone call on 10th May 2025, commencing at 15:35 hours. The Foreign Secretary had made a statement in this regard, as you would be aware.
The request for this call was received by MEA from the Pakistani High Commission at 12:37 hours. The Pakistani side had initial difficulties connecting the hotline to the Indian side due to technical difficulties. The timing was then decided based on the availability of the Indian DGMO at 15:35 hours.
You will of course appreciate that early on 10th morning we had mounted an extremely effective attack on key Pakistani Air Force bases. That was the reason they were now willing to stop firing and military action. Let me be clear, it was the force of Indian arms that compelled Pakistan to stop its firing.
As regards conversations with other nations, the message from India was clear and consistent. And exactly the same message that we were conveying from public platforms, was the one conveyed in private conversations. It was that India was responding to the 22nd April terrorist attack by targeting the terrorist infrastructure. However, if the Pakistani Armed Forces fire, Indian Armed Forces will fire back. If Pakistan stops, India will also stop.
This was also the message that was conveyed to the Pakistani side at the time of the commencement of OPERATION SINDOOR, which was not heeded to by the Pakistani side at that time. It is natural that many foreign leaders who heard this from us would have shared it with their Pakistani interlocutors.
Jessica, you had a question on IWT. The other day you saw that after the CCS decision, this Indus Waters Treaty has been put in abeyance. I would also like to take you back a little. The IWT, the Indus Waters Treaty, was concluded in the spirit of goodwill and friendship as specified in the preamble of the treaty. However, Pakistan has held these principles in abeyance by its promotion of cross-border terrorism for several decades now.
Now, as per CCS decision that I referred to of 23rd April, India will keep the treaty in abeyance until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably, abjures its support for cross-border terrorism. Please also note that climate change, demographic shifts and technological changes have created new realities on ground as well.
Kadambini, you had a question regarding trade matters. From the time OPERATION SINDOOR commenced on 7th May, till the understanding on cessation of firing and military action on 10th May, there were conversations between Indian and U.S. leaders on the evolving military situation. The issue of trade did not come up in any of these discussions.
Siddhant you had a question on the latest statement issued by the Pakistan Foreign Office. We have seen the statement made by the Pakistani side. That a nation which has nurtured terrorism on an industrial scale should think that it can escape the consequences is fooling itself. The terrorist infrastructure sites that India destroyed were responsible not only for the deaths of Indians but of many other innocents around the world. There is now a new normal. The sooner Pakistan gets it, the better it is.
Aditya Raj Kaul: Mr. Jaiswal I have two quick questions. One that some of the Indian diplomats who have given interviews abroad have said that India has electronic intercepts and gathered intelligence linking to Pahalgam attackers to the handlers, and they have been planning more attacks. So have you given any kind of this evidence to the foreign attaches and diplomats that were briefed today and in the context of ambassadors also that were briefed earlier? That's about it.
Megha Sharma, NewsX: Good evening, Sir. Megha from NewsX. My question is that India, it's been reported is going to be sending a team to the UNSC 1267 sanctions committee. The meeting is going to be held later in the week, and the purpose for it is to declare the TRF as globally designated terrorist organization. If you could shed more light into this.
Rishabh, Times Now: Spokesperson, Good Evening. Rishabh from Times Now. I have two questions here. Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has given an interview to CNN, and where he has claimed success in suggesting that India was keen to have the ceasefire. Your comments on that. Also, there are a lot of buzz on social media as well as in various international media about nuclear leakage in Pakistan. Can you shed some light on that as well?
Manas Pratim Bhuyan, PTI: This is Manas from PTI. So U.S. President Donald Trump, again he claimed yesterday that he stopped a nuclear conflict between India and Pakistan. And he stopped escalation and saved millions of lives by reaching out to both capitals. He even said that in fact, he pressured India and Pakistan to come forward for the cessation of hostilities, saying that if you don't do that, I will stop trade with both the countries. So can you please clarify whether he just reached out to us, and asked us to stop? You have been maintaining that, in fact, the resolution was arrived at by two DGMOs, but have you just protested at the U.S. side for making these claims which we consider are baseless?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay, let me take these questions.
First, Aditya, your question. You know, we have had several rounds of briefings, and in these briefings we have also shared with you the kind of linkage we see between the perpetrators of the attack of Pahalgam, in particular, The Resistance Front. Foreign Secretary in his statement also made very clear the kind of evidence that we see, and investigation is going on in this particular matter.
You would have seen that TRF had taken responsibility and then second time again, second day, twice they had taken responsibility and thereafter possibly at the behest of their handlers they rolled it back. But TRF is one organization which is a front of the Lashkar-e-Taiba and you would understand and perhaps be in the knowledge of it that we have been pursuing listing of TRF by the United Nations Security Council, by the UNSC 1267 Sanctions Committee. I am not privy to what was shared two hours back but for sure we will update you on as to how the investigation progresses in this matter.
Megha on UNSC 1267 Sanctions Committee. Yes, over the last two years or so, 2023, 2024, we have been sharing information with the United Nations Security Council. The monitoring team of the Sanctions Committee ... as to why the terrorist TRF which is a front for Lashkar-e-Taiba should be listed as a terrorist entity. We will be also in few days time ... we will be sharing more details in this regard. And hopefully Security Council 1267 monitoring team will take strong note of what we present, what we file and take due action against ... that is required.
Rishabh, on your question regarding the interview that the Pak Foreign Minister gave. In the last week as a result of OPERATION SINDOOR, Pakistan has seen its terrorist centers in Bahawalpur, Muridke, Muzaffarabad and other places destroyed. You have been informed of it in several of the briefings that we have had. Thereafter, its military capabilities were significantly degraded by us, and key air bases effectively put out of action. If the Pakistani FM wishes to project these as achievement, obviously he is welcome to do so.
Where India is concerned, our stand was very clear and consistent from the start. We would target terrorist infrastructure operating out of Pakistan. If the Pakistani military stayed out, there would be no problem. If they fired on us, we would respond suitably. Till the night of 9th May, Pakistan was threatening India with a massive assault. Once their attempt failed on 10th May morning, and they received a devastating Indian counter response, their tune changed. And their DGMO eventually reached out to us. I just referred to the timings, etc. as to when they reached out. In essence, India's position remained the same. Pakistan's position changed on 10th May morning after its air bases were effectively put out of action. All you have to do is to look at who called who to negotiate the terms of the cessation of firing.
By the way, we are living in a day and age where you have satellite pictures available commercially. I urge you to look at the satellite pictures of the sites which Pakistan says or claims to have attacked in India. Contrast it with the sites and places which we successfully targeted and destroyed. That will give you a clear answer.
Claiming victory is an old habit. 1965 ki baat yahi thi, 1971 ki bhi baat yahi rahi, 1999 Kargil war mei bhi yahi raag aalapa. Toh pakistan ka toh purana ye unka dhol bajane ka jo rawaiyaa hain, ye bahot purana hain. Parast ho jao lekin dhol bajao.
[Approximate translation: Answer in Hindi: This was the case in 1965, the same continued in 1971, and even during the 1999 Kargil War, they kept repeating the same tune. So, this habit of Pakistan beating the same drum is nothing new. They suffer defeat, yet they keep beating the drum.]
Rishabh, you also had a question regarding ... On that, I think there are two or three things there. We saw some social media posts about Egyptian-American aircraft, etc. Those questions are for them to answer, not for us. In the defence briefing, if you remember, our side made things very clear as to what was the target, etc. As far as your particular question, I think the Pak Foreign Minister also has made some comments on that.
Manas, about the nuclear issue that you pointed out. See the military action from our side was entirely in the conventional domain. This was also made very clear in the defence briefing yesterday. There were some questions also which were asked. There were some reports, however, that Pakistan National Command Authority will meet on 10th May, which we saw. But this was later denied by them. Pakistan FM has himself denied the nuclear angle on record. So, Rishabh, that also answers your question.
As you know, India has a firm stance that it will not give in to nuclear blackmail, or allow cross-border terrorism to be conducted, invoking it. In conversations with various countries, we have also cautioned that their subscribing to such scenarios could hurt them in their own region.
Dhairya Maheshwari, Sputnik: Good Evening, Sir. Dhairya Maheshwari from Sputnik, Sir. Just a clarification. Secretary Marco Rubio tweeted that India and Pakistan had agreed to ceasefire, as well as start talks on a broad range of issues at a neutral site. So, would it be possible to get a clarification on this, if we agreed to that?
And sir the second question is about India-US Trade talks. India has formally notified the WTO proposing retaliatory tariffs against select US imports over Washington's tariffs on steel and aluminium imports. Would it be possible to get a clarification on this, and does it affect India's negotiating position vis-à-vis the Bilateral Trade Agreement? Thank you.
Smita Sharma: Smita Sharma here. You know, the US State Department, actually in the Press Statement of 10th May, it was in bold and headline that mentioned US brokered ceasefire between India and Pakistan. I am just trying to understand if New Delhi actually rejected it outrightly, raised it with Washington DC then that this framing was incorrect? Or is it only now that India is making it clear that there was no US role in it?
And just a quick question on whether there is any update on P K Sahu, the BSF constable, who has been in Pakistan captivity for more than 20 days now. Or he has been arrested there because he crossed?
Suhasini Haider, The Hindu: Mr. Jaiswal, this is Suhasini Haider from The Hindu. In continuation to Smita's question about whether India has raised with the US these clearly what you are calling false statements made by US President Donald Trump, that the US did not broker a ceasefire, that trade was not discussed. These are all things that have been said now on the record in camera. So have you raised this at any level?
And similarly, yesterday at the MoD briefing, we heard them speak about the Chinese hardware support to Pakistan. I wanted to ask if this is something that is going to be taken up with China in terms of India and China's own bilateral relationship. So both of them, are these two things going to have any impact on India's relations with either the US or China?
Niraj Kumar, News18 India: Sir, Niraj hoon News18 India se. Aapne kaha ki, kai americi netaon ki baat military jo karyawahi chal rahi thi Bharat ki us dauran batchit hui. Pradhan mantri Narendra Modi se kis americi neta ki batchit hui, kyuki media report mei aaya hain ki americi up-rashtrapati JD Vance ne unse batchit ki, aur ye bhi anurodh kiya tha ki woh apni military karyawahi ko thoda kam karain, de-escalate karain.
Aur dursa sawal ye hain ki jab Bharat Operation Sindoor mei chal raha tha pakistan ke khilaf, aatankwad ki khilaf maaf kijiye gaa... toh Bangladesh ne Awami league par ban laga diya wahan ki sarkar ne, Bharat isko kaise dekh raha hain?
[Approximate translation: Question in Hindi: Sir, I'm Niraj from News18 India. You mentioned that several American leaders were in touch during India's ongoing military operation. Could you specify which American leader spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi? Because, media reports suggest that U.S. Vice President JD Vance had a conversation with him, and even requested that India de-escalate its military action.
And my second question is — while India was conducting Operation Sindoor against Pakistan and terrorism, the government in Bangladesh imposed a ban on the Awami League. How does India view this development? ]
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay, Dhairya, first regarding your question about Secretary Rubio's comments, on that I have already spoken. I have told you how the understanding between India and Pakistan was bilaterally reached, and what the conversation that we had with other countries.
On trade matters, I do understand that there is a proposal which has been made in Geneva. It has been made very recently, so I do not have further details on that. But for sure, we will update you with the matter as we progress with those negotiations.
Smita, again, I have already answered those questions of yours when I talked about the question of ceasefire, as to who decided, what were the terms, when it happened, etc. So, I would urge you to look at those comments of mine.
Smita Sharma: [Inaudible]
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: I already have told you that we have conveyed our position, I conveyed our position here on record, so I will request you to look at that.
On the matter of P K Sahu, I do not have an update. So possibly we will get you an update, but these are matters which pertain to the Ministry of Defence and they are looking into it.
Again, Suhasini on ceasefire, I have made India's position very clear, where we stand, so I would urge you to look at my comments. On the other question that you had, and possibly it had come up in the conversation of the press conference yesterday. There, we have ... I would say that we have obviously taken note of this. I direct your attention to the comments in the Defence briefing about the extent of their effectiveness or otherwise.
Niraj aapke do sawal, pradhan mantri ki baat america ke up-rashtrapati JD Vance se hui thi. Aur us darmiyan jo batchit hui thi donon netaon ke beech mei, usse aapko avgat bhi karaya gaya hain.
Jahan tak Awami League ki baat hain...
[Approximate translation: Answer in Hindi: Niraj, your two questions. The Prime Minister had a conversation with the Vice President of the United States, JD Vance, and you have been informed about the discussion that took place between the two leaders during that interaction.
As far as the Awami League is concerned...]
The ban on the Awami League without due process is a concerning development. As a democracy, India is naturally concerned at curtailment of democratic freedoms, and shrinking political space. We strongly support the early holding of free, fair, and inclusive elections in Bangladesh.
Jo Awami League pe ban laga hain woh ek chinta ka vishay hain. Ek jo loktantrik pranali mei ek tarika hota hain ye sab kaam karne ka, woh due process ko darkinar kar diya gaya hain. Ek loktantra ke roop mei Bharat jo wahan par loktantrik azadi ko roka ja raha hain, aur jo wahan par rajneetik gatividhiyon ke liye dayra hain woh kam ho raha hain isko le ke hum log chintit hain. Aur sath mei hamara ye manna hain, hamara ye avahan hain ki Bangladesh mei jald se jald ek nishpaksh aur samaveshi chunav karaya jaye.
[Approximate translation: Answer in Hindi: The ban imposed on the Awami League is a matter of concern. The due process to carry out such actions in a democratic system has been disregarded. As a democracy, India is concerned about the suppression of democratic freedoms, and the shrinking space for political activity there. We believe, and we urge, that free, fair, and inclusive elections should be held in Bangladesh at the earliest.]
Manish Jha, TV9 Bharatvarsh: Sir main Manish Jha hoon TV9 Bharatvarsh se. Pichle deenon humne ek aur character dekha woh tha Turkey ka role. Jis tarike se Turkey ke drone pakistan ne istemal kiye, iske alawa turkey ne lagatar is mamle mei pakistan ka support kiya. Jab hum aatankwad ke khilaf ladai ladh rahe hain aur Turkey us samay pakistan ke sath hain, jab ki aapko yaad hoga 9-11 ke time par america ka dialouge tha ki agar aap hamare sath nahi hain toh aap aatankiyon ke sath hain. Toh Turkey ke mamle mei Bharat ki ab neeti kya rehne wali hain?
[Approximate translation: Answer in Hindi: Sir, I am Manish Jha from TV9 Bharatvarsh. In recent days, we have observed another key player — Turkey's role. The way Pakistan used Turkish drones, and Turkey's continued support to Pakistan in this matter, is notable. While we are fighting a war against terrorism, Turkey is standing with Pakistan. You might recall that during the time of 9/11, America had said — 'If you are not with us, you are with the terrorists.' So, what will be India's policy regarding Turkey in this context?]
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Dekhiye jo sawal ka jawab de diya gaya hain usko na poochain. Koi naya sawal ho to bataye. Yeshi.
[Approximate translation: Answer in Hindi: Look, please don't ask questions that have already been answered. If you have a new question, please go ahead. Yeshi.]
Yeshi Seli, Business India: This is Yeshi Sehli from Business India. Are there any leads of the terrorists who attacked on 22nd April; and 3 terrorists were neutralized in Shopian today. Do they have any links with the terror attack of 22nd ?
In addition, when are the next DGMO talks likely to be?
Brahma Prakash, News India: Sir, main Brahma Prakash hoon News India se. Mera sawal hain ki jis tarah se OPERATION SINDOOR ke dauran jo hamare mitra deshon ki bhumika rahin, usko lekar khas taur par america ki bhumika. Ye dekha gaya hain ki Bharat aur pakistan ko ek hi taraju mei barabar taula gaya hain, ye mana ja raha hain. Kya jis tarah se Bharat kehta raha hain, america kehta raha hain ki donon close partner hain, kya Bharat ki diplomacy ko ek tarah se america ki taraf se jhatka laga hain, Bharat is par dubara vichar karega? Kyuki jis tarah se rukh raha hain america ka ye mana ja raha hain sidhe shabdo mei kahain american ne dokha diya hain is pure mamle mei, kye kehna hain?
[Approximate translation: Question in Hindi: Sir, I am Brahma Prakash from News India. My question is regarding the role of our partner countries during OPERATION SINDOOR — particularly the role of the United States. It has been observed that India and Pakistan were weighed on the same scale, so to speak. It is being perceived that despite India and the U.S. calling each other close partners, this has come as a setback to Indian diplomacy from the American side. Will India reconsider its approach? Because the way the U.S. has responded, it is being said quite directly that America has betrayed India in this entire matter. What is your response to that?]
Madhurendra, News Nation: Sir, Madhurendra, main News Nation se. Ye spasht hain ki china aur turkey ke hathiyar Bharat ke khilaf istemal kiye gaye, aur isi sandarbh mei main janna chahta hoon ki Defence Intelligence Agency ki jo aaj briefing hui hain kya usmei defence attache China ke aur Turkey ke bulaye gaye the? Kya bulaye jane par unhone attend kiya?
Dusra sawal mera ye hain ki, humne ek pattern create kiya hain ki any act of terror will be act of war. Toh kya usko define kar sakte hain ki kya aage hone wala koi bhi Bharat par pakistan ki taraf se ya pakistan prayojit aatank ki taraf se hamle seedhe taur par karyawahi taur pe pakistan par war ke taur par dekha jayega, hum sidhe yuddh karenge pakistan se?
[Approximate translation: Question in Hindi: Sir, I'm Madhurendra from News Nation. It is clear that weapons from China and Turkey were used against India. And in that context, I would like to know, in the Defence Intelligence Agency briefing that took place today, were the Defence Attachés from China and Turkey invited? If invited, did they attend?
My second question is — we have established a pattern that any act of terror will be treated as an act of war. So can you define that? Going forward, will any attack on India by Pakistan or Pakistan-sponsored terrorism be directly treated as an act of war, and will India respond with direct military action against Pakistan?]
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Manish ji pahle Turkey ko lekar kafi sare sawal the. Dekhiye Suhasini ke sawal ke jawab mei maine bataya tha ki, hamara kya najariya hain. Aur Turkey aur China ko le kar unke jo weapons wagaira ko lekar defence ki briefing mei bhi khulasa kiya gaya toh main kahunga ki aap jo wahan par bataya gaya hain baat uspe dhyan kendrit karain. Jahan tak hum logon ka sawal hain hum logon ne bataya ki hum logon ne in gatividhiyon ko note kiya hain, aur saath hi mei jo comments defence briefing mei diya gaya tha in chizon ke baare mei us par mei aapka dhyan aakarshit karana chahta hoon. Aur sath hi sath unhone iski effectiveness, jo kitna purjor raha, ya nahi raha, iske baare mei baat kiya tha.
[Approximate translation: Answer in Hindi: Manish ji, earlier there were quite a few questions regarding Turkey. As I mentioned in response to Suhasini's question, I have already clarified our perspective. Regarding Turkey and China and the issue of their weapons, these were addressed in detail during the Defence briefing. So I would suggest that you focus on what was conveyed there.
As far as our position is concerned, we have noted these activities, and I would like to draw your attention to the comments made during the Defence briefing on these matters. They also discussed the effectiveness, how impactful it was or not.]
Yeshi, the investigations are on, so we will have to wait for the progress. Obviously, when we make progress, we will keep you updated. DGMO talks, I understand, had happened yesterday and many of you were informed of the developments and the discussion that had happened. As and when the next DGMO level talks happen, you will be kept informed of it.
Brahma Prakash ji aapne jo baat ki hyphenation ki baat ki. Ki ek tarike se Bharat Pakistan donon sath mei bandh gaye, ek hyphenation ho gaya. Toh uspe mera, hum logon ka ye manna hain ki ...
[Approximate translation: Answer in Hindi: Brahma Prakash ji, regarding your point about hyphenation — that India and Pakistan have somehow been clubbed together — our view is ...]
... it is quite the reverse. There is widespread understanding in the world that Indian tourists were the victims of terror at Pahalgam and that the epicentre of terrorism is across the border in Pakistan. A number of foreign leaders ...
Bahot saare videshi jo netagan hain, unse jo hamari batchit hui usme unhone mana ki Bharat ko apne ko defend karne ka usko haq hain, aur apne logon ko bachane ka, unko suraksha pradan karne ka unko haq hain. Main aapka dhyan UN Security Council ka jo resolution hain, press statement UN Security Council ne 25 April ko jo apnaya tha, uspe main dhyan dilana chahunga. Woh press statement bada clearly ye batata hain, main quote kar raha hoon...
[Approximate translation: Answer in Hindi: A number of foreign leaders — during our conversations with them — acknowledged that India has the right to defend itself and protect its people. I would also like to draw your attention to the UN Security Council's press statement adopted on April 25. That statement clearly emphasizes — and I quote ...]
"There is need to uphold perpetrators, organisers, financiers, and sponsors of this reprehensible act of terrorism accountable and bring them to justice. It further stresses that those responsible for this killing should be held accountable."
Toh isse aap jo hyphenation ki baat kar rahe hain, uske pura hi viparit, logon ne mana ki desh hain jo aatankwaad ko badhawa deta hain, industrial scale par aatankwad paida karta hain, aur unke khilaf sakt se sakt karyawahi honi chahiye.
[Approximate translation: Answer in Hindi: So, contrary to your suggestion of hyphenation, people recognize that there are countries promoting terrorism, generating it on an industrial scale, and there must be the strongest possible action against them.]
Brahma Prakash, News India: Sir mera question alag tha. Kya america ne Bharat ko dokha diya hain is pure mamle mei?
[Approximate translation: Question in Hindi: Sir, my question was different — has the United States betrayed India in this entire matter?]
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Jahan tak America ... aur anya deshon ke baare mei humne apna paksh aapke samne rakha hain.
[Approximate translation: Answer in Hindi: As far as the United States and other countries are concerned, we have presented our position before you.]
Madhurendra ka sawal reh gaya tha. Madhurendra, dekhiye, Turkey aur China ke shasthra ke baare mei humne abhi jawab de diya hain aapko. Aur jahan tak act of terror ki baat hain, hamari taraf se, hamari leadership ki level pe kahan ja raha hain ki cross-border terrorism ka jahan tak sawal hain hamara zero tolerance rehega. Jab bhi koi is prakar ka ghatna hota hain toh hum uska purjor jawab denge.
[Approximate translation: Answer in Hindi: Madhurendra's question was left unanswered. Madhurendra, as far as Turkey and China are concerned, we have already responded regarding the weapons. Regarding the act of terror, our position at the leadership level is very clear — as far as cross-border terrorism is concerned, we will maintain a zero-tolerance policy. Whenever such an incident occurs, we will respond firmly.]
Madhurendra, News Nation: Sir mera sawal ...(Inaudible)
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Us defence attaché ko bulaya gaya, uski meeting hui thi, unhe bulaya gaya tha. Kaun-kaun wahan aaye the uske baare mei mujhe sangyan nahi hain. Main aapko iske baare mei avgat karaunga.
[Approximate translation: Answer in Hindi: The Defence Attachés were invited, and a meeting was held with them. I am not aware of who attended the meeting. I will inform you about this later.]
Madhurendra, News Nation: Any act of terror... (Inaudible)
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Maine kaha na, ke humare jo abhi Pradhan Mantri ke bhasan me apne dekha hoga, kis prakar ka bayan tha cross-border terrorism ko le ke, aur aatankwad se ladne ke liye jo humara pran hain, jo humara niti hain uske bareme khulasa kiya gaya tha wo niti rahega.
[Approximate translation: Answer in Hindi: As I mentioned earlier that, in the Prime Minister's recent speech, you must have seen the statement regarding cross-border terrorism and our commitment to fighting terrorism. Our policy, as outlined, will remain the same.]
Sridhar, Asian Age; The Deccan Chronicle: Sir Sridhar from Asian Age and The Deccan Chronicle. Sir three months back when PM Modi visited the U.S., there was a joint statement in which the U.S. specifically called out these Pakistan-based terror organizations and there was widespread satisfaction in India at that point of time. But, strangely there was absolutely no reference to terror or Pakistan that Pakistan needs to dismantle this terrorist infrastructure in the statements of President Trump. I mean, it was as if two siblings are fighting and the U.S. has stepped in to end it. There was absolutely no reference to Pakistan sponsoring terrorism. Are you a bit shocked at that ... that why there has been such a dramatic change in the past three months? And a small question, could we have a list of the civilian casualties in OPERATION SINDOOR? We have got some figures from the military side on the military casualties. But what about the civilian casualties, are you going to reveal that? Thank you, sir.
Vineeta Pandey, Asian Age; Deccan Chronicle: Vineeta from Asian Age and Deccan Chronicle. Randhir Ji, we have reached a ceasefire situation, but why are we seeing firing at the border and drone activities? Airlines had to start their function, but again shut down at five Airports yesterday night. Just an idea that, is everything okay at the borders or are we still fighting a battle there?
Geeta Mohan, India Today: Geeta Mohan from India Today. Just wanted to know again about the de-hyphenation and hyphenation question. India invested diplomatically for years in the de-hyphenation of India-Pakistan, not just with the world but particularly with the United States of America. And we have seen them de-hyphenate. And now we are seeing President Trump hyphenate India-Pakistan, speak of them in the same breath, talk about them being great countries that U.S. wants to do trade with. Is India raising this matter with the United States of America, reminding them of 9/11 and Osama bin Laden?
Rezaul Laskar, Hindustan Times: Reza from Hindustan Times. Just a quick question on President Putin's offer for direct talks with Ukraine. Do we have a position on that?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay. You talked about fight against terrorism. You saw what the UN Security Council came up with a statement. The UN Security Council consists of 5 permanent members and 10 non-permanent members. It came out with a very strong condemnation, and the United States is part of that. Our partnership with the United States as far as security, defence continues to grow and continues to deepen.
Vineeta, you had a question about drones etc. These are questions that when the MoD briefing happens, possibly they will give you. These are questions to be answered by people who deal with it. I don't have any particular update on it.
Geeta, on the hyphenation part; see, I have already made it clear. Our understanding is that instead of being hyphenated, quite the reverse is happening, because people are realizing that here is a country which is running a factory of terrorism, and they need to be suitably taken to task. The conversation that we had with leaders across the world, with countries, they have all stood with India. There was very strong condemnation from leaders across the world, countries across the world, and they also realized that India has the right to respond, to take action for protecting its people.
Unidentified Speaker: (inaudible)
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Sorry. I have already answered your question.
Reza, on your question regarding the direct talks. We welcome the direct talks that have been announced between Russia and Ukraine. The talks present an opportunity for both parties to address their concerns through dialogue and diplomacy. India has consistently advocated the need for sincere and practical engagement between Russia and Ukraine to ensure early and abiding peace.
With that ladies and gentlemen, we come to the close of this press briefing.
Thank you very much.
New Delhi
May 13, 2025
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
