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Transcript of Weekly Media Briefing by the Official Spokesperson (May 29, 2025)

India - Ministry of External Affairs

May 29, 2025

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Good afternoon friends. I open the floor for questions and I welcome you to this press briefing.

Umashankar, NDTV: Umashankar Singh NDTV India se. Pakistan ke Pradhan Mantri Shahbaz Sharif jo hai wo Pakistan ho, Iran ho ya Azerbaijan ho har jagah se ye baat keh rahe hain ki Bharat ke sath baat cheet chahte hain. Aur unhhone ye bhi kaha hai ki counter terrorism pe bhi baat chahte hain. To kya Bharat ne apne stand mein koi badlav laya hai ya la sakte hain ya pehle ki tarah apne stand pe hain.

[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi: Umashankar Singh from NDTV India. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has been saying — whether it's in Pakistan, Iran, or Azerbaijan — that he wants dialogue with India. He has also said that he wants to talk about counter-terrorism. So, has India made any changes to its position, or is it considering a change, or is it still firm on its earlier stance? ]

Sidhant, WION: Hi sir, Sidhant. Sir, we have seen a court filing in which the Trump administration has claimed that because of the tariff threat India, Pakistan were able to have that ceasefire understanding. What is India's stance on that court filing?

Madhurendra, News Nation: Sir, Madhurendra main, News Nation se. Sir, Operation Sindoor ke theek baad abhi dekha jaa raha hai ki Pakistan ke jo aatanki hain, khaas taur pe Lashkar-e-Taiba ke aatanki jinki pramukh bhumika jo hai Pahalgam aatanki ghatna mein rahi, wo Bharat virodhi manch saja rahe hain. Waha se Bharat ko dhamkiya di jaa rahi hain aur sabse badi baat ye hai ki unke saath Pakistan ki sena ki suraksha dikhai de rahi hai, Pakistan ke mantri dikhai de rahe hain. Is par kya India respond kar raha hai?

[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi: Sir, I'm Madhurendra from News Nation. Sir, right after Operation Sindoor, we are now seeing that Pakistan-based terrorists — especially those from Lashkar-e-Taiba who played a key role in the Pahalgam terror incident — are organizing anti-India platforms. From there, threats are being issued to India. Most importantly, they appear to be receiving protection from the Pakistani army, and even Pakistani ministers are seen alongside them. Will India respond to this?]

Pranay Upadhyay, India Today Aaj Tak: Sir, Pranay Upadhyay from India Today Aaj Tak. My question is regarding the three Indians who are missing in Iran. And this is yet another incident in last few months that Indians have gone missing and there have been ransom calls. Is Government of India aware about the fact that the ransom calls have been made from Pakistan and people have been asked to deposit money in Pakistani accounts? How are we taking up this issue and what is the response from the Iranian side?

Yeshi Seli, Business India: This is Yeshi Seli from Business India. I have two questions. One is on the uncertainty and instability in Bangladesh, there was talk of Professor Yunus submitting his resignation when he had an all party meeting. Is that a point of concern? And secondly, you had mentioned in the last briefing that there is no update yet on whether PM Modi will go for the G7. But with the new Prime Minister, is there likelihood of restoration of diplomatic ties? What is the situation between India and Canada right now?

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: So, pehla sawal Umashankar aapka hai.

Dekhiye jaha tak, hamari jo dupakshiya baatcheet ya sambandh ya jo engagement hai Pakistan ke saath us pe hamara paksh, hamara ravaiya bada saaf hai. Clear raha hai, consistent raha hai. Hum jaise humne pehle bhi bataya ki koi bhi is prakar ka dupakshiya sambandh dono desho ke beech mein sirf aur sirf bilateral ya ki dwipakshiy hi rahega.

Saath hi saath hum ye fir se dohrana chahte hain ki aatankwad aur baatcheet dono saath mein nahi chal sakta hai. Aur jaha tak aatankwad ka sawal hai, us pe baat is mudde pe hogi Pakistan se ki jo hum logo ne un aatankiyon ka soochi jo diya tha unko kuch saal pehle, unko hamare hawale kare. Is baat ka maine zikr pichle jo press vaarta hua tha usme bhi kiya tha. Aur jaha tak Jammu Kashmir ka sawal hai us pe jo baatcheet hogi, du pakshiya roop se jo bilateral dhang se hi baat hogi. Wo sirf aur sirf is baat pe hogi ki Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir yani ki Pakistan adhikrit Kashmir ko kab ka ... jo Pakistan usko illegal tarike se, avaidh tarike se us pe kabza kar ke baitha hua hai, wo us pe baat hogi ki kab wo usko khali karega apna avaidh tarike se us pe jo kabza hai, usko.

Aur jaha tak, Sindhu jal sandhi ka, Indus water treaty ka sawal hai, jaisa ki maine pehle bhi kaha aur fir main dohrana chahta hu, ki jab tak Pakistan vishwasniya tarike se apna jo gatividhi hai aatankwad ko badhava dene ka usko jab tak nahi khatam karega, tab tak ye sandhi jo hai abeyance mein yaane ki sthagit rahega. Jaisa ki hamare Pradhan Mantri ne kaha apne vakhtavya pe, aur usko main dohrana chahunga, ki aatankwad aur baatcheet dono saath mein nahi chal sakta. Aatankwad aur vyapar saath mein nahi chal sakta. Aur pani aur khoon dono saath mein nahi beh sakta.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi: So, Umashankar, your question first.

Look, as far as our bilateral dialogue, relations, or engagement with Pakistan is concerned, our position and approach have been very clear. It has been consistent. As we have said earlier too, any such bilateral engagement between the two countries will only be strictly bilateral — meaning, solely between India and Pakistan.

At the same time, we want to reiterate that terrorism and dialogue cannot go hand in hand. And as far as the issue of terrorism is concerned, any discussion with Pakistan will focus on the list of terrorists we had provided to them some years ago — they should hand them over to us. I had mentioned this in our previous press briefing as well. Regarding Jammu and Kashmir, any bilateral talks will only be about one thing — when will Pakistan vacate Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, which it has been holding illegally and unlawfully. That is the only point of discussion.

And regarding the Indus Water Treaty — as I've said before and would like to repeat — unless Pakistan credibly stops promoting and supporting terrorism, this treaty will remain under suspension. As our Prime Minister has said in his statement — and I would like to repeat — terrorism and talks cannot go together; terrorism and trade cannot go together; and water and blood cannot flow together.]

I would again reiterate this, we have been very clear and consistent in our position. I have said this in the previous presser last week, as also in the press engagement that we had on 13th of May. Our position in regard to Pakistan, in regard to engagement with Pakistan, has been clear and consistent. You are well aware of our position that any India-Pakistan engagement has to be bilateral.

At the same time we are clear that talks and terror don't go together. On terrorism itself we are open to discussing the handing over to India of noted terrorists, whose list was given to Pakistan some years ago. I would like to underline that any bilateral discussion on Jammu and Kashmir will only be on the vacation of illegally occupied Indian Territory by Pakistan.

And on the Indus water treaty, it will remain in abeyance until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism, as the Prime Minister has said. And I would like to repeat his words, "terror and talks cannot go together, terror and trade cannot go together, and water and blood cannot flow together."

Sidhant, you had a question regarding the court filing in the United States. I hope you have seen the court order as well. Our position on this particular issue that you mentioned has been well articulated. I would refer you to our position that was made clear on 13th of May. 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 US leaders on the evolving military situation. The issue of trade or tariff did not come up in any of those discussions. External Affairs Minister has also made clear that the cessation of firing was decided upon through direct contacts between the DGMOs of India and Pakistan. So that should answer your question.

Madhu, aapka sawal dekhiye jo aap baat kar rahe hain ki waha par aatankwadiyon ko saraha jaa raha hai, unko mala pehnaya jaa raha hai koi nayi baat toh keh nahi rahe hain. Hum log itne saalo se is baat se gyat hain aur sirf humko nahi duniya bhar mein logo ko pata hai ki Pakistan ko jab ye kehte hain ki wo aatankwad ka global Kendra Bindu hai, epicenter hai global, ah, aatankwad ka to uske peeche karan hai aur ek samajh hai. Usi ko aap dekh rahe hain aaj jo aapne jo zikr kiya, jo baat kahi aapne manch wali baat, usi ka ek nazariya hai.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi: Madhu, regarding your question — the point you raised about terrorists being glorified there, being garlanded — this is not something new. We have been aware of this for years, and not just us — people across the world know this. When Pakistan is referred to as the global hub or epicenter of terrorism, there are reasons behind that label, and a clear understanding of why it is so. What you're witnessing today — the platform you mentioned where such activities are happening — is just another reflection of that very reality.]

Pranay, on the question of missing Indians in Iran, you would have seen a statement made by our Embassy as well in Iran. The three Indian nationals who had landed there some time back, they are missing. We are in touch with the Iranian authorities for locating them, for their safety and security and for their eventual return home. We are in daily touch with the authorities there. We are receiving good cooperation from the Iranian side and we are also in touch with the families. Obviously family members in such situations, they have their own anxiety etc. So we are extending all possible help. Hopefully we will be able to do our best in this situation.

Unidetified Speaker: Sir, February also...

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: No, February was a different issue. What we are talking about is three Indian nationals who had gone to Iran recently, in the month of May.

Teen Bharatiya nagrik jo Iran haal hi ke mahine mein, ha, is mahine hi gaye the waha par unke aisa khabar aaya hai ki unse contact nahi ho pa rahi hai. Wo log lapata hai. Is baat ko hamare dutawas ne waha par jo Iranian Sarkar hai unke samaksh rakha hai aur unse manga hai ki jis prakar ka bhi support ho sake, in logo ko khojne mein unke suraksha ke liye aur unke ghar wapsi ke liye unme madad kare. Is pe hum logo ko ... unse hum lagatar baatcheet kar rahe hain us sarkar se aur unse hamein achcha cooperation, achche saajhedari mil rahi hai is baat par. Aur saath hi saath waha ye jo teen log hai unke parivarjan se bhi hum log sampark mein hain. Lihaza aapko pata hai ki aise sandarbh aise samay mein parivar walo ko bahut sari kathnaiya hoti hai aur unko chinta hona to lazmi hi hai.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi: Three Indian citizens who traveled to Iran earlier this month have reportedly gone missing, and contact with them has been lost. Our embassy in Iran has raised this matter with the Iranian government and has requested all possible assistance to locate them, ensure their safety, and facilitate their return home. We are in continuous communication with the Iranian authorities on this issue and are receiving good cooperation and support from them. At the same time, we are also in contact with the families of the missing individuals. As you can understand, in such situations, families naturally face a lot of difficulties and concern, which is entirely understandable.]

Yeshi, your question regarding Bangladesh. On developments in Bangladesh, you know as far as our approach is concerned ... and we remain ... I would like to underline once again that we ... look at how we have approached our issues, our relationship with Bangladesh. We want a positive and constructive relationship with Bangladesh, one that is anchored in meeting the aspirations and the interest of people of both sides. So that is how I would look at your question.

On the update on India-Canada, last time as well there was a question but our External Affairs Minister, he had a telecom with his Canadian counterpart. It happened last week or this week. This was the first call between the two Foreign Ministers. Earlier our Prime Minister and our External Affairs Minister, they also congratulated their counterparts soon after the formation of the government and the new government took over charge in Ottawa. In his latest conversation, the External Affairs Minister greeted the Canadian Foreign Minister on her new responsibilities and both leaders had a discussion on the prospects for India-Canada ties going forward. In his latest conversation, the External Affairs Minister greeted the Canadian Foreign Minister on her new responsibilities and both leaders had a discussion on the prospects for India-Canada ties going forward.

Vijai Laxmi, India TV: Sir Vijai Laxmi hoon India TV se. Sir Bangladesh Sarkar ne [inaudible] unhone sir teen din pehle unka vaktavya meeting mein jo kaha ki Bharat ki hegemony ki wajah se jo hain Bangladesh mein crisis hain. Is vaktavya ko wahan ke raajnetaon ne bhi kaha ki aisi baat unhone meeting mein kahi thi. Bharat kis tarah se isko dekhta hain?

[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi: Sir, I'm Vijai Laxmi from India TV. Sir, regarding Bangladesh [inaudible], three days ago they made a statement in a meeting saying that the crisis in Bangladesh is due to India's hegemony. Politicians there also confirmed that such a statement was indeed made during the meeting. How does India view this? ]

Huma Siddiqui, StratNews Global: Sir I am Huma Siddiqui, from StratNews Global. I have two questions. One, there were reports that Bangladesh has canceled its defense deal worth 180 million dollars. Which is, I am assuming comes under the line of credit that India had given to Bangladesh. So, if you have any update on that? And my second question is, would you have a number of how many Indians have been deported from the U.S. so far?

Rishabh: Sir, good evening. Sir yesterday, the news came in that in British Columbia, legislatures have invited pro-Khalistan extremists, and they were hailed as well. Many of them with clear evidence where they had celebrated extremism in India as well. What's India's stand on that?

Vishal, ABP News: Sir main Vishal hoon ABP News se. Kuch media reports mein ye daawa kiya ja raha hai ki America ne student visa ke appointment par rok laga di hai. To Bharat ke chhaatron par iska kitna asar padta hua dikhai de raha hai?

[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi: Sir, I am Vishal from ABP News. Some media reports are claiming that America has put a halt on student visa appointments. So, how much impact is this visibly having on Indian students?]

Somya, Republic TV: Sir, this is Somya from Republic TV. Sir, any formal statement from you on lifting the ban on the visas for Afghans? Because there are reports doing the rounds. And with regards to what is happening in Iran, the Indians missing there, the number has significantly increased since last year. There was this boy from Bihar also last year. There was this case. And it has been significantly happening. Sir has this been ... the issue raised with the Iranian authorities?

Unidentified Speaker: Kulbhushan Yadav aise hi gayab hue the aur uske baad phir hum logon ko pata hai ki kya hua tha. To us concern se agar dekho, uss point of view se agar dekhein to kya aisi sambhaavna kahin nazar aa rahi hai. Pakistan kyunki baukhalaya hua hai issi liye main bol rahi hoon.

[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi: Kulbhushan Yadav had gone missing in a similar manner, and after that, we all know what happened. So, looking at it from that concern, from that point of view, do you see any such possibility? Because, Pakistan is rattled, that's why I'm saying this. ]

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Nahi. Ye jo log teen log gaye the kisi aur kaaran se wahan gaye the. Aur iske baare mein wahan ke sarkar se jaankari hum logon ne li hai ki unke baare mein pata kiya jaaye taaki unki suraksha ko hum log guarantee kar sakein, saath hi saath agar woh desh wapas aana chahein to hum unhe wapas laa sakein.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi: No. These three people had gone there for some other reason. And regarding this, we have sought information from the government there so that we can find out about them, ensure their safety, and also, if they wish to return to the country, we can bring them back.]

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: So let's go to the questions. Bangladesh ... Vijai Laxmi aapka question tha wahan par jo abhi ke haal ke din kuch bayan aaye uske upar. To dekhiye jahan tak wahan ki sarkar hai, wahan ki sarkar ki ye niji zimmedari hai ki wahan par jo bhi sarkari ya governance ka issue hai, masla hai, uski zimmedari woh le. Ye kehna ki is karan se koi doosra ... matlab ki jo iss prakar ki bayan jo aati hai to usme aisa lagta hai ki aap deflect karna chahate hain kisi aur disha mein apne khud ke jo wahan par aapke challenges hain governance ke challenges hain. Aur ye doosre ke naam pe ye laga ke kehna ki ye extraneous issues ke karan auron ke chalte iss karan se ye gadbadhiya ho rahi hain isse samasya ka samadhan nahi hota hai.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi: So let's go to the question. Vijai Laxmi, your question was about some statements that have come out recently regarding Bangladesh. So, as far as the government there is concerned, it is their personal responsibility to handle any governmental or governance-related issues or problems there. When statements of this sort came it seems like you want to deflect in another direction from your own challenges related to governance there — and to blame others by saying that these extraneous issues caused by others are the reason for these problems — does not solve the issue. ]

Huma, see India and Bangladesh have several defence cooperation initiatives under implementation. With regard to any specific example, one that you asked, I will be glad to revert to you after asserting more details on this issue.

In regard to deportation ... update ... we have close cooperation between India and the United States on migration issues. On deportation of Indian nationals who are either, who have an illegal status there, who have traveled illegally, we take them back once we receive details about them, the possible deportees, we verify their nationality as we have told you before, only then we try to get them back. The update on the numbers is that since January of 2025, we have some 1080 Indians who have come back or who have been deported from the United States. Of these, around 62% of them have come on commercial flights. So that is the update I would have for you.

Rishabh, on your question regarding pro-Khalistan elements, you know our position has been very consistent over several months and years now. We've told, we've conveyed our security concerns to the Canadian side, and we have also urged them not to give any political space to extremist elements, those who advocate violence and those who talk about secession or who talk about separatism. I hope that the Canadian side will take due note and will take due action against those who advocate anti-India agenda.

Vishal, jahan tak Bharatiya chhatron ka sawal hai jo America jaate hain padhne ke liye, 2023-24 mein teen lakh tees hazar Bharatiya chhatra America mein padhai ke liye gaye the ya wahan par ... ye data hum log ke paas hai. Haal hi mein hum logon ne dekha kuch reports jisme ki U.S. sarkar ke taraf se kuch updated guidance aayi hai visa applications ko leke students ko. Jahan tak Bharatiya chhatron ka welfare ka sawal hai ye humare liye ek sarvopari hai ... Bharat sarkar ke liye. Aur jo bhi iss prakar ke ghatnayein ya developments hoti hain visa matter ko leke hum usko bade peni nazar se usko follow karte hain, dekhte hain. Aur main ye bhi kehna chahunga ki jahan tak visa policy ya visa ke dene ka sawal hai ye ek sovereign function hai. Lekin humara ye manna hoga ki jo bhi applications Bharatiya chhatra dwara daayar kiya jayega usko apni merit pe dekha jaye taaki jo humare chhatralog hain wo America sahi samay par apni universities pahunche taaki apne jo academic program hain usko sahi samay par wo join karein aur sahi samay par uski shuruaat ho.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi: Vishal, as far as Indian students going to America for studies are concerned, in 2023-24, three lakh thirty thousand Indian students went to America for education or are thereabouts — this data is with us. Recently, we have seen some reports where the U.S. government has issued updated guidance regarding visa applications for students. As far as the welfare of Indian students is concerned, this is a priority for the Indian government. And whatever incidents or developments happen regarding visa matters, we closely follow and monitor them. I would also like to say that while visa policy and issuing visas is a sovereign function, we believe that all applications submitted by Indian students should be considered on their merit so that our students can reach their universities in America on time, join their academic programs on time, and start them promptly.]

We have seen reports suggesting U.S. government's updated guidance regarding students and exchange visitor visa applicants. The welfare of Indian students abroad remains of utmost priority to the Government of India. We will continue to follow further developments in this regard. While we note that issuance of visa is a sovereign function, we hope that the application of Indian students will be considered on merit and they will be able to join their academic programs on time. 2023-24, 330,000 students were there. This year, the updated figure we don't have ... we are talking about 2023-24. For updated figures, you can also visit the relevant websites of the U.S. Government. Possibly you will get it there.

Somya, question regarding Afghan visa. We have a new visa module now, in place for Afghan nationals. This was, I think, put in place last month. The old visa module that we had ... program, it was called e-emergency ex-miscellaneous visa. That has been discontinued and We have a new visa module now, in place for Afghan nationals. which came into effect on 29th April, so last month, 29th April. All Afghan nationals can now apply for Indian visas in six categories. And they are medical visa, medical attendant visa, business visa, entry visa, student visa, and UN diplomatic visa. Afghan nationals who are in India on visas that were issued as per the old policy will have to now get it converted as per the new policy. They will have to approach the FRRO here in Delhi or in any other part of India, as the case may be. The new visa module will help strengthen India - Afghanistan people-to-people ties further.

On Iran ... the three Indian nationals who have recently gone missing, I have given you an update. In regard to what Pranay said that there were earlier also cases of some people having gone missing. On that, I think people have returned back. So, sometimes these things happen. As and when such things happen, we take up these issues seriously through our embassy, and we see that our nationals are provided for, and we take care of their welfare, their safety and security.

Aapka laga hua sawal tha na, woh aap usko jod rahe hain. Jahan tak Bharatiya nagrik ka sawal hai jab bhi kuch aisa hota hai to hum log wahan ki sarkar se mil ke, unse baatchit kar ke unko wapas ... unki suraksha ke liye wapas laate hain, aur ghar vaapasi ke liye unse baatchit karte hain taki wapas aaye jaldi se.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi: The question you raised ... you are linking it. As far as Indian citizens are concerned, whenever something like this happens, along with the local government there ... we talk to them, bring them back safely, and discuss their return home so that they come back quickly.]

Kallol Bhattacharjee, The Hindu: Sir there is a report that Bangladesh is building a humanitarian corridor with Myanmar. There are issues of security involved there, so I would like to hear your response.

Gautam Lahiri: The same question, because most of the political parties and including the Bangladesh Army has opposed the idea for a proposed corridor, human corridor, whether there is an important and unique, how India would look at it? ... this corridor.

Sudhi Ranjan Sen, Bloomberg: Sudhi Ranjan Sen from Bloomberg. I wanted India's understanding on the statement that President Trump gave, discouraging Apple to make in India, and especially after India made all that effort to bring the Apple ecosystem to India. And also, Sir, if you could give us an update on the trade negotiations that have happened with India and US, are we expecting an early harvest, if so, how early?

Suhasini Haidar: In a US court of international trade, the US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has submitted a statement in which he has claimed once again that the US not only mediated to avert what they call a nuclear conflict between India and Pakistan, but that trade was used as a leverage. You've probably seen the document, and I know that you have already from this very stage made your statement already on the US having no role. My question is, now that the US is saying this on the record under oath, because it's a statement that could invite perjury if it's not true. How is India going to get over this? I would bring your attention to the fact that on the day that this was submitted, May 23rd, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal was discussing the Bilateral Trade Agreement there. The Foreign Secretary is in Washington. He has been meeting his counterparts. Has he raised this continuous American claim that has been denied on the record by India?

I had a second short question, if you would permit. External Affairs Minister had gone to Germany. It was the first visit with the new government in place. I wondered if he brought up the issue of this young girl, Ariha, and whether there is any kind of new assurance from the German side that her case will be looked at again. Thank you.

Keshav Padmanabhan, ThePrint: Thank you, Sir. Keshav from ThePrint. My first question is, Secretary of State Marco Rubio last evening said that officials from countries will be ... his exact statement is that there will be visa restrictions for officials from countries that harass American officials, which is a very wide-ranging term.

So, is India concerned about this? Because anything could be considered under this. And therefore, Indian officials could get sanctioned or face restrictions by the new US policy. So, has India looked through this? Is it aware? Does it have any position on this?

And secondly, on the question raised with regards to the US affidavit in this international court, in this court on trade yesterday in the US. The judges threw out the tariffs. What is the understanding from the Indian side or any guidance to our exporters with regards to the reciprocal tariffs that have been introduced by the government, which now the court has said is not applicable? Is there any suggestion or guidance that the government has so far on this? Thank you.

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Kallol and Gautam, your questions on this particular development regarding humanitarian corridor. As I think I have earlier also spoken on this, we follow such developments closely.

Sudhi, on your question, see the India-US bilateral trade agreement negotiations are going on. We just had a team visiting the United States. So, we will have to wait for the negotiations to come to conclusion and as and when we have an update, we will share with you. But this is an ongoing matter, so you will have to bear with us. Also, on trade negotiations, I told you that these are ongoing matters and hopefully we will have something to update you as and when things come to fruition.

Suhasini, on your question, see I have already answered our position on this particular issue. I was answering one of the previous questions. Now, I have stated my position and when I state my position, I do it as spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs of the Government of India with flags on both sides. That has an implication, it means a lot.

On Foreign Secretary's visit, Foreign Secretary is visiting the United States from 27th to 29th. You would have seen and followed the kind of meetings that he has been having there. We will have a readout of the visit hopefully soon. He met Under Secretary Jeffrey Kessler to advance India-US cooperation in critical and emerging technologies. He also led a delegation comprising Deputy NSA for the inter-agency discussions on India-US COMPACT for the 21st century. This meeting happened in the White House ... discussions at the White House. And it focused on implementing the TRUST initiative, which again is about critical minerals ... and critical and emerging technology partnerships. They also discussed cooperation in area of defense and energy domains, as well as strengthening the Quad, IMEC, I2U2 initiatives. Foreign Secretary also had a meeting with Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and they discussed all aspects of India-US relationship. In particular, they agreed that technology ... tech, trade and talent will shape the India-US partnership in the 21st century and they both reaffirmed commitment to further strengthening the India-US comprehensive global strategic partnership. So, whether this particular issue was raised, I would say that all issues of mutual interest was discussed between India and the United States.

On the issue of Ariha Shah, we have been very closely following up this issue with the German authorities. I do not have an update to share, but hopefully we will come back to you. This is an important issue. We attached a lot of importance to it. We have been in touch with the government, not just the government authorities in Germany, but also parents on our side and we want to do our best to ensure our welfare and well-being.

Visa matters, Keshav, are sovereign functions. We saw some guidance coming from the United States on student visa matters. There we made a point that while it is a sovereign function, we expect and we hope that application of Indian students will be considered a merit, and they will be able to join their courses, their academic programs in the United States on time. There are other categories of visas which are also issued, and hopefully these are functions which lie in the sovereign domain, and we should be respectful of them.

On the tariff issue, again the affidavit that has been submitted on that particular issue, I have made our position very clear. I would refer you to our comments on that.

Unidentified Speaker: [Inaudible] I just want to follow up on a question from a previous question from a colleague about India-Canada ties. Has India received an invite to the G7 in Canada?

Manas, PTI: This is Manas from PTI. Again, a question on Bangladesh.A similar question. We have seen a fresh wave of protests in Dhaka and every political party in Bangladesh is actually demanding an early election. They are asking for a specific time frame. They are asking for the elections by the end of this year or a specific time frame. But instead of answering these questions, Muhammad Yunus, the interim government chief is trying to blame India by saying that the current crisis is a kind of product of conspiracy to establish Indian hegemony. So how do you see these developments and particularly the very serious allegations by the interim head?

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: On Canada, I had spoken about your particular question in the last presser. On that, I don't have an update. I have no information to share on this issue. Let me check again and come back to you.

On Bangladesh. Manas, we have articulated our position very clear, as far as elections in Bangladesh is concerned, and we have done so consistently. Bangladesh needs to ascertain the will and mandate of the people by holding an inclusive, fair and free elections at an early date.

With that, ladies and gentlemen, we come to the close of this session. Thank you very much.

New Delhi
May 29, 2025