Transcript of Weekly Media Briefing by the Official Spokesperson (July 17, 2025)
India - Ministry of External Affairs
July 17, 2025
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Good evening, friends. Let's begin our conversation. The floor is open now.
Prasanth Raghuvamsam, Asianet News: Sir, I am Prasanth from Asianet News. Can you give more details on this Nimisha Priya's case in Yemen? How the sentence was deferred? There is a report that a cleric from Kerala named Shri Kanthapuram Musaliar had a big role in this to play. What is the reaction of MEA on this?
Ayushi Agarwal, ANI: Sir, this is Ayushi Agarwal from ANI. I would like to have your comment on the recent statement made by NATO chief saying that countries buying Russian oil and gas could face secondary sanctions, where he named India too. We have seen similar comments coming from US senators also where they have said that countries could face economic sanctions, if they continue trading with India. What is India's position on those comments?
Keshav Padmanabhan, ThePrint: Sir, good afternoon. Keshav from ThePrint. My first question is on Afghanistan. We have been giving medical visas to Afghan nationals. It's been about two months. Can you give us some details on how many visas have been issued to Afghan citizens? Some details on this.
An addendum to the question is also on Bangladesh. Could you give us a sense of the medical visa situation, and the numbers of Bangladeshi citizens who have been given medical visas in the last couple of months? Thank you, sir.
Jessica: Sir, last month we also heard from Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov talk about RIC and Russia has been pushing to restart the Russia-India-China trilateral mechanism. Any chances of its revival, and what is the current status?
Ileana, TASS News Agency: Ileana from TASS News Agency. My question is also on this trilateral dialogue, RIC. What is India's position on this format, trilateral format? And has Minister Jaishankar during his engagements in Beijing discussed the resumption of this trilateral dialogue?
And if you allow me a quick question, I think a lot of colleagues are interested to get the answer on it. When can we expect Russian-Indian summit? I know, you may say we let you know in due time, but approximately...
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: You're asking both the question and the answer.
Ileana: In what quarter of the year? Half of the year already gone, like quarter, the last quarter, please...
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Thank you. So let me take these questions and then we come back.
First on Nimisha Priya case, you all have been following this very closely. This is a very sensitive matter and the Government of India has been offering all possible assistance in the case. We have provided legal assistance, and also appointed a lawyer to assist the family. We have also arranged for regular consular visits by her family, and we are also in touch with local authorities as also the family members to resolve this issue. This included concerted efforts in the recent few days to seek more time for the family of Miss Nimisha Priya to reach a mutually agreeable solution with the other party. The local authorities in Yemen have postponed carrying out her sentence that was scheduled for 16th July that you're well aware of. We continue to closely follow the matter, and render all possible assistance in the case. We are also in touch with some friendly governments in this regard. The other part of your question was ... as far as the role of the entity that you mentioned, I have no information to share on this account.
Ayushi, your question regarding NATO chief's articulation. We have seen reports on the subject, and are closely following the developments. Let me reiterate, and I have said this in the past as well. Securing energy needs of our people is understandably an overriding priority for us. In this endeavor, we are guided by what is there on offer in the markets, as also by the prevailing global circumstances. We would particularly caution against any double standards on the matter.
Keshav, on visas for Afghanistan, I think beginning April we started a new visa module. There are six categories of visas now which people can apply for. Those details are available on the website. As far as how many visas that have been issued so far, I do not have the exact number, but I will be happy to share with you next time when we meet.
Similarly, with Bangladesh, we have been issuing visas to Bangladesh for various reasons, for various travels, medical emergency included, students, so on and so forth. We are issuing substantial visas. Exact number... on that, I will have to come back to you.
Jessica on RIC and Ileana, your question also on Russia-India-China format. Look, this consultative format is a mechanism where the three countries come and discuss global issues and regional issues of interest to them. As to when this particular RIC format meeting is going to be held, it is something that will be worked out among the three countries in a mutually convenient manner, and we will let you know as and when that happens at an appropriate time when the meeting is to take place.
Ileana, your question regarding India-Russia summit. Yes, India-Russia summit is important. Last annual summit was held in Moscow. It is time for us to host the summit in Delhi, and the dates will be worked out between both sides, keeping in mind what is mutually convenient to both countries.
Siddhant Sibal, WION: Hi, sir. Siddhant from WION. Sir, we saw the EAM's visit to China. Now, essentially two parts. One on the rare earth issue. Is there a resolution in sight? The second, of course, will the Prime Minister travel to China for the SCO summit?
Rishabh Madhavendra Pratap, Times Now: Good evening, sir. Rishabh from Times Now. Sir, yesterday in Bangladesh, in Gopalganj, there was violence and one could see in the visuals that how the Bangladeshi army and police forces opened fire on the supporters of Awami League. Awami League say that it was because Bangabandhu was being abused by the Citizens Party members. So, any take on that, given that there has been a statement that has come in from Sheikh Hasina as well.
Also, sir, after your statement on the Satyajit Ray ancestral house, now Bangladesh has taken a U-turn saying that that building never belonged to Satyajit Ray's family.
Ayanangsha Maitra: Sir, it's been about a year ... I mean, next month is going to be the anniversary of the first interim government in Bangladesh. So, what is the update on our HIDPs, our High Impact Development Program there?
And secondly, sir, the Prime Minister recently held a maiden visit in Namibia and there was a discussion on diamond trading, direct diamond trading, which is conventionally happening via either London and Dubai. So, is there any update as well?
Ashwin Ahmad, Free Press Journal: Hello, sir. I'm Ashwin Ahmad from Free Press Journal. So, I have two quick questions. President Trump had added to this where he talked about 100% secondary tariffs at the White House briefing. So, I wanted to know ... and he has also talked about the fact that we are going to have... Is there any discussion with India going on this front? And also, he had talked about a deal, a trade deal that is happening with India. So, can you give us any details on that? Is there a US delegation coming? Thank you.
Huma Siddiqui, StratNews Global: Sir I am Huma Siddiqui from StratNews Global. I have two questions. One is, there have been reports that a lot of Indians have been deported since in the last two, three weeks. So, would you have any number on the deportees?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Deportees from where?
Huma Siddiqui, StratNews Global: From the US. And also, would you know when is the India-Africa summit expected to take place?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay. Siddhant, regarding your question, first on rare earths. We had a meeting of our External Affairs Minister with the Foreign Minister of China. Post that, we have issued a Press Release. The Press Release also talks about several of the issues that you mentioned. I just want to let you know the concerns of Indian industry are a matter of public record. You would have seen the press release issued by Ministry of External Affairs post the meeting. I have nothing further to add at this point in time, on the question that you asked.
On the visit of ... on the SCO leaders' level meeting, the SCO meeting is some months away. So, you know, participation by countries are finalized as per the mutual convenience, and we will let you know at the appropriate time.
Rishabh, on your question regarding Gopal Ganj, see we follow all developments in our region closely and take cognizance of what is happening there, and accordingly we take action if required on our side. Regarding Satyajit Ray's building, yes, we have seen a press release issued by the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry.
Ayanangsha, on Bangladesh, you know our position. We want a positive and constructive partnership with the country. We have had engagements at the leaders' level. We also had Foreign Secretary visiting Bangladesh. We have had meetings between our External Affairs Minister and his counterpart, and you know there are several areas of cooperation between the two countries that are ongoing including development partnership. So, that is the context in which you must look at how we want to approach India-Bangladesh ties.
On Namibia ... Namibia is an important trading partner as far as diamond is concerned for India. We have several diamond companies who are active in Namibia and we have been exporting from there. I mean, diamonds are being exported from Namibia to India. We are active. We are also active in several other parts of the mining industry in Namibia. Hopefully, in the days to come, we will do more with Namibia on this account. As far as direct trade, I am not too sure. You know in today's global environment, global trade flows are very complex because of supply chains and the kind of value that is added in different ways. So, on direct trade, some of it must be happening directly, some of it via other stations.
Ashwin, your question regarding trade. See, this is a matter which is under discussion between the two sides and as when we have something to share, something is finalized, you will hear it and we will also let you know.
Huma, since 20th of January this year till yesterday, some 1563 Indian nationals have been deported from the United States so far. Most of these Indian nationals have come via commercial flights. So, that is the update, and as and when we receive lists of people who are to be deported, we confirm their nationality, and once only where their nationality is confirmed, as you know, then we do the documentation part, and thereafter they are sent back to India. But yes, people have been coming in, in batches, in commercial flights. The last week also we had people who came back. The overall number is 1563 so far. So, in the last six months you can say that 1563 people have come back.
On India-Africa summit, we do not have a date as yet. We are in with the African Union Commission. So, hopefully, as and when we have a concrete proposal or concrete suggestion from their side, which is mutually agreeable, we will let you know.
Ajay Banerjee, The Tribune: Good Evening. Ajay Banerjee ... I work with the Tribune. Sir, I seek a clarification from you. President Donald Trump yesterday said that India is about to give access to us, like us as in the US ... like Indonesia gave access to the US to its markets. I am referring to the trade deal. Sir, will Trump's words with regards to the trade deal, and also Trump's words with regards to the position of additional tariffs on Russian oil, will they impact the Indian-US trade talks, especially the Russian oil with 100% tariffs? We may have to back up on buying Russian oil. Are we foreseeing that scenario?
Kallol Bhattacherjee, The Hindu: Kallol from The Hindu, Sir. Sir, when you refer to the local authorities in the Nimisha Priya case, who do you refer to? Are you referring to the Houthis? And does it mean that India is in contact with, and in dialogue with the Houthis? And is there a change in India's policy towards the Houthis?
Suhasini Haidar: I know you responded on the NATO chief's comments. But this is about the fact that the US Congress seems to be going ahead with its 500% sanctions, what's called the Russia Sanctions Act. This despite the fact that the External Affairs Minister was in Washington, he said, India's concerns had been conveyed to the United States, to Lindsey Graham in particular. What is this really? Is India going to take this up further on a diplomatic level, some kind of protest that the US continues with this sanctions bill despite the concerns we've expressed?
And also, I think for the 20th time, Mr. Trump has repeated his statement about the ceasefire and also on mediating on the basis of trade to avert a nuclear war. Is there any hope that his comments can be amended in any way?
Shivam Patel, Reuters News: Thank you, Sir. This is Shivam Patel from Reuters News. I have a query on India-China ties. It's more of a general sort of ... I just wanted to seek your view in the sense that Foreign Minister Jaishankar was there recently. And we've seen some developments over the last couple of weeks from the Chinese Embassy spokesperson who labeled the Tibet issue as a thorn between India and China. And also, the Deputy Chief of the Indian Army saying that China provided live support to Pakistan during the May conflict.
When Foreign Minister went to China, did he sort of discuss ... did these issues come up in discussions at all? And in light of these sort of developments, how do we sort of ... what is the trajectory that we're taking with China? Thank you.
Unidentified Speaker: Just a follow-up question on India-China relations. You mentioned about the issue of rare earths and other trade issues. Could you delve a bit more deeper into the specifics of the conversation between the Indian and Chinese side on the export controls that have been brought in by China on not just rare earths but on specialty fertilizers, and now there's this FOXCONN labor issue that's also pending.
And secondly, sir, your comments on Donald Trump stating that a deal with India is coming soon, in light of the extension that's been given by the United States to its trading partners till August 1. Are we looking at any specific timeline?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay. So, Ajay, on BTA, and I'm also clubbing everybody else who have asked questions on BTA. See, these are negotiations which are on. Both sides are in touch with each other. They are trying to iron out issues. So, once we have a conclusion of the agreement, we will obviously make it public for all of you.
On the question of Russian oil, etc., we are closely following developments that are in this regard, and the articulations that are being made.
Kallol, your question regarding local authorities. Well, local authorities in that part of the country. What I mean is local authorities.
Suhasini, I've already answered your question on NATO chief. U.S... we are closely following all these developments. That is how I would answer your question. On the ceasefire, we have made our position very clear on several occasions.
Shivam, on India-China talks, we have had a detailed Press Release. I would refer you to please look at the Press Release. We talk about several issues there. Connectivity, people-to-people ties. We also talked about the trajectory that you mentioned. We talked about a positive trajectory and that the two sides took note of the recent progress made to stabilize and rebuild ties. So once again, all the issues that you want to know are well detailed in the Press Release. I would refer you to that.
Sumita, again, India-China issues, including trade issues, they are mentioned in the Press Release. And also while answering Sidhanth's question, I made it clear that ... I would like to repeat it again for your clarity. The concerns of Indian industry are a matter of public record. You would have seen the Press Release issued by MEA after the meeting. And I have nothing further to add to it at this point in time.
Aroonim Bhuyan, ETV Bharat: I am Aroonim Bhuyan from ETV Bharat. Myanmar and Russia are discussing a new economic corridor via India. The idea is to connect Russia with Yangon port via Mumbai port. This came up during a meeting between Myanmar Transport Minister and Alexander Shatirov, head of the Roscongress Investment Fund. What is India's position on this?
Neeraj Kumar, News18 India: Sir, Neeraj hoon News18 India se. Bharat mein ameriki dutawas ne kal ek advisory jari ki hai, jismein likha hai ki jo hamla, chori aur sendhmari mei fansate hain, unke visa ko cancel bhi kiya ja sakta hai ya bhavishya mein nahin diya ja sakta. Yeh advisory kathit taur per us mahila ki hirasat mein liye jane ke baad aaya hai, jise America mein pakda gaya chori ke aarop mein. Kaise dekh rahe hain?
[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, I'm Niraj from News18 India. The U.S. Embassy in India issued an advisory yesterday, stating that those involved in assault, theft, or shoplifting could have their visas canceled or may be denied visas in the future. This advisory reportedly came after the detention of a woman who was caught in America on charges of theft. How do you see this development?
Chandrakala Choudhury, Republic TV: Chandrakala this side from the Republic TV. Sir just wanted to have your comment regarding the arrest of a Indian national in US as far as you know child porn in US is concerned, and this has triggered in Punjab ... Basically just wanted to have your comment on this. How do you see this?
Alexander, Rossiyskaya Gazeta: Alexander, I'm with the Russian press. Ten days ago, we had a very successful BRICS summit in Brazil, and we have all seen very impressive Prime Minister Modi's participation in the summit. But we have also heard, in conjunction with this summit, some threats coming from the White House, specifically about imposing 10% tariff against BRICS countries. I was wondering, what is your position on this? Does India have any position on these particular threats? Thank you.
Krishna Mohan Sharma, Bharat Express: Sir, Krishna Mohan Sharma, Bharat Express se. Pradhan mantri ki nikat mei koi London mein yatra ho rahi hai ? aur uska mukhya uddeshya kya hai aur kitne bilaterals waha pe expected hain sir?
[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, is the Prime Minister expected to go on a visit to London soon ? What is the main objective of this visit, and how many bilateral meetings are expected to take place there?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay. First, to the friend from ETV Bharat. See, as far as regional cooperation is concerned, we do give a lot of value and importance to connectivity, connectivity issues, and connectivity projects. So that is how we will look at all such proposals. It is also important to see the feasibility of it. But largely we support connectivity.
Niraj, dekhiye kisi bhi desh mein koi aadmi rahe, chahe waha ke nagrik ho, chahe bahar ke nagrik ho, yeh unper unki ek zimdari hoti hai ki waha kanun vyavastha ko ka palan kiya jaye. Toh jo apka sawal tha, usme main yeh kahoonga ki jo bhi hamare log bahar jate hain unse hum log ka humesha agrah rehta hai ki us desh ki kanun vyavastha ka aap palan kare aur us desh mein taki apka ek acha sa behtar chhavi bane aur apke madhyam se desh ki ache chhavi bane.
[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Niraj, look, whether a person is living in any country—whether they are a citizen of that country or a foreign national—it is their responsibility to abide by the laws there. So in response to your question, I would say that whenever our people go abroad, we always urge them to respect and follow the laws of that country, so that they can build a good and positive image for themselves, and through them, also project a good image of our country.
Chandrakala again, Indian National Arrest. These are matters of law and order. Law and order authorities, local authorities will look into it. But yes, it would be our endeavor to tell our Indian nationals who are going abroad that they should abide by local law and local guidelines, local laws and local regulations.
Alexander, on BRICS Summit, we had a highly successful BRICS Summit. You would have seen the Joint Statement. In the Joint Statement, there are several aspects which have been fleshed out, which strengthen the BRICS platform. But having said that, let me tell you that de-dollarization is not something which is on the agenda. And cross-border payments, yes, BRICS has talked about local currencies, but de-dollarization is not something that is there on the agenda.
Krishna Mohan London ke bare mein dekhiye, London Yatra ke bare mein jankari upyukt samay pe aapko batai jayegi.
[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi]: Krishna Mohan, regarding the visit to London—details about the London visit will be shared with you at the appropriate time.
Megha Sharma, NewsX: Good afternoon, sir. Megha from NewsX. My first question, about the Syria conflict and the airstrikes by Israel. Russia and China have condemned the Israeli strikes. What is India's official stance?
And, there are a couple of reports that have been released a few hours ago by Wall Street Journal and Reuters. This is about the Air India crash probe. Now, the basis of their reports and conclusions that they have drawn is that there was human error. It was the captain of the aircraft that was responsible for the crash. And there seem to be very flimsy reasoning that they have given. Is there a response that the Government of India is going to make?
Vishal Pandey, ABP News: Sir, main Vishal Pandey hu ABP news se. Kya Maldives ki taraf se apne independence day ke liye Bharat ko nyota bheja gaya hai ? aur pradhan mantri ka Maldives daura kya hone wala hai?
[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, I'm Vishal Pandey from ABP News. Has the Maldives extended an invitation to India for its Independence Day celebrations, and is the Prime Minister planning a visit to the Maldives?
Gautam Lahiri: Hello, sir, this is Gautam Lahiri. This is about Bangladeshi election. As India has been reiterating, there should be a credible and democratic, peaceful, all-inclusive elections. Now the Chief Executive of the Bangladeshi and one major political party come to an agreement. Election should be held early February or early next year. So what is the comment? Do you think that is a good sign for a Bangladesh democracy?
Raghavendra Varma, German television, ZDF: This is Raghavendra Varma from German television, ZDF. Sir, the question is regarding India-EU FTA, Free Trade Agreement. And in light of the NATO chief's comment, so many of the NATO countries are EU members. And is the new comment of any significance to the EU-India trade deal? Do you see that going ahead as we have planned by the end of this year?
Manas, PTI: This is Manas from PTI. So recently a delegation of Canadian officials, including a junior minister, had visited India and held talks with officials of the MEA. So this was the first visit, I think publicly acknowledged visit, after Prime Minister's visit to Canada. So can you just throw some light?
And in responding to questions about Nimisha Priya, you also mentioned that India is in touch with certain friendly countries. So, would you like to name the countries with whom we are in touch? Thanks.
Siddhant Mishra, CNN News18: Thank you, sir. I am Siddhant from CNN News18. Sir, last week we were told that there are 16 Indians missing in Russia. And we had two bilateral meetings with Russia, one on the sidelines of BRICS and one during the SCO Foreign Ministers' Meet. Did we raise that issue, any update on that? Thank you.
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: So Megha, first to your questions. We are closely following developments in Syria. As far as we are concerned, we want peace and stability to return to the country as soon as possible.
On Air India crash, you will have to wait for the concerned Government of India authority to make the report public. It is too premature for all of us to talk about what's in it, what's not in it. So we will have to wait for the final report to come out.
Vishal, Maldives daure ke bare mein aapko bataya jayega. Main is is samay main is isse jyada main kuch nahi kehna chahta hu. Thoda thoda kabhi kabhi sabra bhi rakhiye.
[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Vishal, you will be informed about the Maldives visit. At this moment, I don't wish to say anything further on the matter. Please keep patience.
We had a question from Gautam. Look, on elections in Bangladesh, you know our point of view. We have said that as a democracy we would welcome holding of elections, that is inclusive and includes everybody in its fold.
Raghavendra, the two questions are not related. But on India-EU FTA, what I can tell you is that the talks are progressing very well. The last round, that is the 12th round, happened in Brussels from 7th to 11th July. And the next round of talks are scheduled to be held in September in New Delhi. As the leaders promised, it was reaffirmed when we had the visit of EU College of Commissioners. Both leaders, both sides want that this FTA be concluded within this year. So it is progressing well. There is good momentum. And that is how, and we would like to see a positive outcome of it.
Manas, on Canadian official, we had the meeting at the Prime Minister level in Kananaskis, where both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the importance of India-Canada ties and to rebuild these ties. We are working, both sides are now working towards it. We are also working to get High Commissioners deployed in the two capitals. So we are positive about the movement in India-Canada ties.
You also had another question regarding friendly countries. Yes, there are several friendly countries with whom we are in touch with in regard to the Nimisha Priya case.
Siddhant, on the 16 missing Indians in Russia, we are in regular touch with Russian authorities, both here in New Delhi as also in Moscow. And we have been taking up this matter so that there could be a closure to the issue.
With that, ladies and gentlemen, thank you very much for your presence.
New Delhi
July 17, 2025
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