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Transcript of Weekly Media Briefing by the Official Spokesperson (August 14, 2025)

India - Ministry of External Affairs

August 14, 2025

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I welcome you to this press briefing. With that, we open the floor for questions.

Sidhant Sibal, WION: Hi, sir. Sidhant from WION. We have seen an announcement by the Pakistani side of creating a new command in the aftermath, of course, of the May conflict. How do you see that as for regional stability? And also, we have seen a lot of commentary by the Pakistani Prime Minister, by Bilawal Bhutto and other top officials, including, of course, by the Field Marshal Munir in US on the nuclear threat. How do you see all these comments? And what's your assessment?

Keshav Padmanabhan, ThePrint: Good evening, Sir. Keshav Padmanabhan from ThePrint. Last week, we've seen that Israel has expanded its military escalation in Gaza, with the goal of having more military control over the strip. Is there any reaction from the Government of India with regards to this, given the current, you know, stories of starvation being reported in the strip? Is there any positional change in the Government of India with regards to this action? Thank you.

Sahil Pandey, ANI News Agency: Sir, I'm Sahil Pandey from ANI News Agency. On 11th August, Court of Arbitration issued an award on issues of general interpretation of IWT. What is India's take on it?

Madhurendra, NewsNation: Sir Bharat aur America ke riste jahan par khade hain aur jis tarah se Trump ne 50% tariff India par impose kiya hai uske baad kya kuch batcheet Bharat aur America ke beech chal rahi hai? Kai aise defense deal hai jinke derail hone ki bhi khabre samne aa rahi hai. Toh kya mana jaye ki Bharat aur America ke sambhand jo hain ab ek tarah se bepatri ho chuke hain. Is par maujuda jo sthiti hai us par aapka kya comment hai?

[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, given the current state of India-US relations, and the way Trump has imposed a 50% tariff on India, is there any dialogue going on between the two countries? There are also reports that several defence deals might get derailed. So, should it be assumed that India-US relations have, in a way, gone off track? What is your comment on the current situation?

Umashankar Singh, Independent Journalist: Umashankar Singh, independent journalist. America ki taraf se ek aur bayan aaya hai jisme ki US Treasury Secretary ne kaha hai ki agar Putin Trump batcheet fail hoti hai toh Russia ke tel kharid ki vajah se Bharat pe aur zyada tariff lagaya jayega. Is pe aapki pratikriya.

[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Umashankar Singh, independent journalist. There has been another statement from the US side in which the US Treasury Secretary has said that if the Putin-Trump talks fail, India will face even higher tariffs because of its purchase of Russian oil. What is your reaction to this?

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay. So now, first, let me come to Sidhant, your question.

We have seen several statements, as you rightly referred. We have seen reports regarding a continuing pattern of reckless, warmongering, and hateful comments from Pakistani leadership against India. It is well known modus operandi of the Pakistani leadership to whip up anti-India rhetoric time and again to hide their own failures. Pakistan would be well advised to temper its rhetoric, as any misadventure will have painful consequences, as was demonstrated recently.

On some of the other questions that you asked, some parts of your question, we have already made our statement very clear. So, I would refer you to them.

Jo Hindi ke yahan par shrota gan hai unke liye main angreji mein mein jo humne vaktavya diya hai usko main hindi mein Rupantar kar deta hu.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi]: For the Hindi-speaking audience here, I will translate into Hindi what we have stated in English.

Humne Bharat ke khilaf Pakistani nrityatav ke laparwah yudh bhadkane wale aur nafrat bhare byanon ke nirantar silsile par report dekhi hai. Apni nakamiyo ko chhupane ke liye baar baar Bharat virodhi bayanbazi ko hawa dena Pakistani netrutva ka jana-mana tarika hain, jisse aap bhali bhathi avagat hai. Pakistan ko salah dete hain ki wah apni baanbazi mein sayam rakhe kyuki jaisa ki abhi hal hi mein humne dekha tha aur aap logo ne bhi dekha tha kisi bhi prakar ke dussahas ka parinam dardnak hoga.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi]: We have observed a continuing pattern of reckless, warmongering, and hate-filled statements against India by the Pakistani leadership. Repeatedly fuelling anti-India rhetoric to hide its own failures is a well-known tactic of the Pakistani leadership, which you are well aware. We advise Pakistan to exercise restraint in its rhetoric, because, as we have seen recently — and you too have witnessed — any kind of misadventure will have painful consequences.

Keshav, on the conflict. See, our position on the conflict has been clear and consistent. There has been no change. We continue to call for a ceasefire, unconditional release of all hostages, continued supply of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza, and we stand for a two-state solution. So there is no change. Our position is clear and consistent on this particular issue.

Sahil, yes, we have. On your question regarding the award, India has never accepted the legality, legitimacy or competence of the so-called Court of Arbitration. Its pronouncements are therefore without jurisdiction, devoid of legal standing and have no bearing on India's rights of utilization of waters. India also categorically rejects Pakistan's selective and misleading references to the so-called award. As reiterated in our press release of 27 June 2025, the Indus Waters Treaty stands in abeyance by a sovereign decision of the Government of India, taking in response to Pakistan's continued sponsorship of cross-border terrorism, including the barbaric Pahalgam attack.

Madhu, Bharat - America ke rishton ke bare mein baat ki aapne. Hamare dono deshon ke riste ek comprehensive strategic partnership hai jaisa ki aap jante hain. Ye jo hamare riste hain, dwipakshiy riste, ye aapasi interest yani ki shared interest jo hai ... dono deshon ke loktantrik mulyo aur hamare dono deshon ke logo ke beech mein jo paraspar mazbut rishte hain un par adharit hai.

Ye riste kai ek transition aur challenges ko inhone dekha hai iska samna kiya hai. Abhi hamara udeshy hai ki hum hamari jo substantive agenda hai ... dono deshon ke beech mein us par hum apne ko kendrit rakhe. Aur ye hamara manna hai aur asha hai ki ye sajhedari aane wale dino mein mutual respect aur shared interest ke basis pe aage badhti rahegi.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Madhu, you spoke about India-US relations. As you know, our two countries share a comprehensive strategic partnership. These bilateral ties are based on shared interests, democratic values of both nations, and the strong people-to-people bonds between our citizens.

These relations have witnessed and dealt with several transitions and challenges. Our current objective is to remain focused on the substantive agenda between the two countries. It is our belief and hope that this partnership will continue to grow in the coming days on the basis of mutual respect and shared interests.

Some of the people would like to hear this in English, I guess. India and the United States share a comprehensive global strategic partnership anchored in shared interests, democratic values, and robust people-to-people ties. This partnership has weathered several transitions and challenges, as we had said earlier as well. We remain focused on the substantive agenda that the two countries have committed to, and we hope that the relationship will continue to move forward based on mutual respect, and shared interests.

Madhu aapka dusra sawal Bharat Americi Raksha sahyog ko bhi leke tha. Bharat aur America ke beech mein jo Raksha sahyog hai bade mazboot hain. Pichle kai dashko mein dono deshon ke beech mein kai samjhote hue hain jo isko ek ayam, ek mazboot roop dete hain. Ye riste pichle kuch salon mein dashko mein kafi iska failav badha hai. Isi mahine ek defense policy team America se aane wali hai, aur sath hi sath jo dono deshon ke beech mein yudh abhyas joint military exercise jo hota hai uski 21vi kadi, us yudh abhyas ka ... 21vi joint military exercise ka naam yud abhyas hai .... ye isi mahine Alaska mein hone wali hai.

Sath hi sath dono desh is par baatcheet kar rahe hain ki jo two plus two ka inter-sessional meeting hota hai, uska working level jo meeting hota hai, wo bhi is mahine dono desh karne ke liye aapas mein baatcheet kar rahe hain. Jahan tak defense acquisition ki baat hai isme jo procurement process hai wo chal raha hai jo established procedures hai uske hisab se.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Madhu, your second question was also about India-U.S. defense cooperation. The defense cooperation between India and the United States is very strong. Over the past several decades, there have been many agreements between the two countries which give this partnership a solid and well-defined dimension. In recent years and decades, these ties have expanded significantly. This month, a defense policy team from the United States is scheduled to visit, and at the same time, the 21st edition of the joint military exercise called "Yudh Abhyas" will be held in Alaska this month.

Along with this, both countries are also discussing holding the inter-sessional, working-level meeting for the "2+2" dialogue this month. As far as defense acquisition is concerned, the procurement process is underway in accordance with established procedures.

For years, the India-US defence partnership, underpinned by foundational defence agreements, is an important pillar of the bilateral partnership. This robust cooperation has strengthened across several domains. We are expecting a U.S. defense policy team to be in Delhi in mid-August. The 21st edition of the joint military exercise, Yudh Abhyas, is also expected to take place later this month in Alaska. Both sides remain engaged to convene the 2 plus 2 inter-sessional meeting at the working level towards the end of this month. As far as the question of defense acquisition is concerned, the procurement processes continue as per established procedures.

Isi se laga hua sawal Uma aapka tha. Dekhiye jahan tak tariff ka baat hai us par hum logon ne apna statement diya hai. To main chahunga ki hamare jo statement hum logon ne pichhle kuch dino mein diye hain us par apna dhyan kendrit karein.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Uma, your question was related to this. As far as the matter of tariffs is concerned, we have already given our statement on it. So, I would like you to focus on the statements we have issued over the past few days.

Abhishek Jha, Independent Journalist: Hi sir, Abhishek Jha, I'm an independent journalist. The two recent news ... I'll have your attention on. As External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is going to Moscow, could you share with us what is on the agenda that will happen between the two ministers?

Also, we have seen reports that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is traveling to India next week, if you can share some detail on that. And with so much talk between India - China, India - Russia, and Russia-China, can we also foresee an RIC group meeting on the sidelines of BRICS that is happening in China this year?

Ayanangsha Maitra: Ayanangsha Maitra sir. This is in line with the last question. Prime Minister is heading for Tianjin for a multilateral summit. Can we expect that India is also going to review its relations with China, especially at a time when our bilateral trade has a deficit of about 100 billion, and two major Chinese firms are under scrutiny of India's financial and enforcement agencies? Thank you, Sir.

Krishna Mohan Sharma, Bharat Express: Sir, Krishna Mohan Sharma Bharat Express se. Mera sawal Pakistan se usse aage Pakistan ne ek statement diya hai ki is matter ko IWT ko hum International Court mein le jayenge kyunki Bharat ko koi adhikar nahin hai ki naisargik pani ke pravah ko woh rok sake.

[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, Krishna Mohan Sharma from Bharat Express. Pakistan has issued a statement saying that they will take this matter related to the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) to the International Court, because India has no right to stop the natural flow of water.

Rishabh, Times Now: Sir, Good evening, Rishabh from Times Now. Sir, there have been three such incidents in the last one week, two in Ireland, one in Canada, where people of Indian origin or Indian nationals for that matter have been attacked. And these have been racial attacks to say one Indian gentleman who was in Dublin was attacked to an extent that he was taken to hospital by a local, a six-year-old was actually asked to go back to India. And in Canada, we saw a video coming out where an Indian couple was harassed by some young Canadians, if there's a stand that India has taken and a statement that I can expect.

Dhairya Maheshwari, Sputnik: Good evening, Sir. Dhairya Maheshwari from Sputnik. The Brazilian President had said that he would host an online meeting of BRICS Nations to discuss a coordinated response to US tariffs. We have also seen Prime Minister Modi having spoken to the Brazilian and the Russian President in recent days. Does India also see a role for BRICS as far as the US tariffs are concerned? Thank you.

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay. Abhishek, first coming to your question regarding External Affairs Minister's proposed visit. He is expected to visit Moscow for the 26th session of the India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Technological, and Cultural Cooperation. This is to happen later this month. We will share with you further updates at the appropriate time.

As also regarding the SR talks, we, as you are well aware of our position ... we will announce this visit at the appropriate time and keep you updated in this regard. On RIC, no discussions have been held on this matter.

Ayanangsha, regarding your question on SCO. Again I would like to remind that we will announce such visits at the appropriate time, and we will keep you updated with the substantive part of the agenda as well.

Krishna Mohan, on IWT, in response to the Court of Arbitrations, I gave a detailed response. As also on IWT, we have made our position very clear on several occasions. So, I would refer you to our statement. As also I said, in response to Sahil's question on the award that has been given, which we do not recognize.

Rishabh, on your question, yes, there have been several cases of violence against Indian nationals in Ireland. You would have seen several of these reports. We have strongly taken up this matter with the Irish authorities in Dublin as well as with the Embassy here. We note that both the President of Ireland as also the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, they have publicly condemned these deplorable acts of violence. Our embassy in Dublin is in touch with the victims. They are also in touch with our community members, and is extending all possible support. We have also recently, as you would have seen ... we have issued an advisory for Indian nationals resident in Ireland. We hope that the issues will settle.

On Canada, again, as far as safety and security of our nationals are concerned, we take them very seriously. Our mission as well as our consulates, they are in close touch with the community members. As and when there is an issue which needs to be flagged as far as security is concerned, we do them. We take it to the local law enforcement authorities for appropriate action.

Dhairya, your question regarding ... the question of what President Lula spoke about - of a virtual meeting. India is a member of the BRICS group and we continue to remain in touch with member countries to discuss issues of shared interest.

Vijai Laxmi, India TV: Sir, Vijai Lakshmi hoon India TV se. Sir, is tarah ki news reports thi ki UNGA ki jo meeting hai September mein usmein Pradhan Mantri jayenge aur kya koi dwipakshiya varta Bharat aur America ke beech mein wahan par hone ki sambhavna hai?

[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, I am Vijai Lakshmi from India TV. Sir, there were news reports that the Prime Minister will be attending the UNGA meeting to be held in September. Is there any possibility of a bilateral meeting between India and the United States taking place there?

Megha Sharma, NewsX: Sir, there are reports floating that China and India are now moving on resuming talks with regards to border trade, which includes India importing critical minerals, and also exporting pharmaceuticals and fertilizers. Could you shed more light into this?

Yeshi Seli, Business India: This is Yeshi Seli from Business India. Recently, the US State Department declared the Baluchistan Liberation Army as a designated ... as a terrorist organization. Does India have anything to say on that?

Andres Schipani, Financial Times: Thank you. I am Andres Schipani, Financial Times. President Lula earlier this morning said that he is coming in January with a delegation to India. He spoke to your Prime Minister, he is coming in January to India. Could you confirm that ? and if this was our understanding that he was invited by Prime Minister Modi to come here? Thank you.

Siddhant Mishra, CNN-News18: Hi sir, I am Siddhant from CNN-News18. Sir, I have two questions. One has already been asked by my other colleague. One is regarding this proposal by President Lula that he wants to hold a virtual meeting of BRICS nations to issue some kind of a joint statement on tariff. In fact, he did speak to Prime Minister Modi also the other day.

Also, my second question is, Sir, he has also spoken about BRICS nations coming up with an alternative currency to dollars. Your comments on that. Thank you.

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: So first, Vijai Lakshmi, to your question regarding visit to UNGA.

Dekhiye, is baat pe abhi koi nirnay nahin hua hai ki Pradhan Mantri UNGA ke daure par jayenge ya nahin. Toh is par jaisa ki maine pehle bhi logon ko bataya tha ki is par abhi koi nirnay nahin hua hai.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Look, no decision has yet been made on whether the Prime Minister will visit the UNGA or not. As I have mentioned to people earlier as well, no decision has been taken on this yet.

For those who would like to hear this in English, it has not yet been decided if Prime Minister would be going for the UNGA or not. I hope that clarifies because a lot of people were talking about it.

Megha, on the border trade. See, this has been part of India-China conversation in several of our meetings. We have remained engaged with the Chinese side to facilitate the resumption of border trade through all the designated trade points, namely Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand, Shipki La Pass in Himachal Pradesh, and Nathula Pass in Sikkim. If there are further updates or any updates, we will keep you informed.

Andres, see, we had gone to Rio to attend the BRICS summit. We also paid a state visit. We visited Brasilia for the state visit. And at that time, Prime Minister invited, as is normal in bilateral ties ... invited President Lula to visit India at an appropriate time.

Siddhant, on your question. First part of the question I have already answered because Dhairya asked the same question. On the second part of the question regarding alternative currency, let me say that we have made our position very clear on this issue earlier as well. De-dollarization is not part of India's financial agenda.

Oh yes, we have taken note of developments, I have no further comments to make Yeshi.

Niraj Dubey, Prabha Sakshi: Sir, Namaskar. Main Niraj Dubey Prabha Sakshi se. Sir, ek Member of Parliament ki tipanni par Israeli Rajdoot ne jo kaha us par Videsh Mantralay ki kya pratikriya hai?

[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, Namaskar. I am Niraj Dubey from Prabha Sakshi. Sir, what is the Ministry of External Affairs' response to what the Israeli Ambassador said regarding a Member of Parliament's remark?

Jessica Taneja, DD India: This is Jessica Taneja for DD India. Well, the US State Department has released its India 2024 Human Rights Report, which is also a part of their annual country report. It criticizes India for its human rights record. Any comments on that?

Aditya: Sir, this is Aditya. I just wanted to ask, the UK has added India to the fast track deportation list. However, there has been no update about the status of the Indian fugitives who have gone missing in UK. What is your take on it?

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: So, first, coming to Niraj's question.

Niraj, iske masle ke bare mein hamein pata hai. Jahan tak Bharat ke position ka sawal hai, is conflict pe, isko hum logon ne kai ek baar zahir kiya hai hamare public statements ke zariye..

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Niraj, we are aware of the issue. As far as India's position on that conflict is concerned, it has been publicly stated on numerous occasions.

Jessica, on our comments on the Human Rights Report recently released by the US State Department. As we have always maintained, these reports are a mix of imputations, misrepresentations and one-sided projections that demonstrate a poor understanding of India's democratic framework, pluralistic society and robust institutional mechanisms for protecting human rights. We do not attach any credence to such biased assessments. We remain focused on advancing human rights of our people through inclusive governance and development.

Aditya, yes, we have seen that some new regulations have been undertaken in the UK. India and the UK, we are together working to promote skilled migration, to promote legal migration, even as we work together to curb illegal migration. We have, towards this end and objective, we have signed India-UK Mobility Partnership Agreement. And, as per this agreement, both countries have agreed that foreign nationals who lose the right to reside in the other country may be deported to the country of origin. This, of course, will happen only after nationality verification of the concerned person takes place. In this new "Deport Now, Appeal Later" announcement, it provides the person who has been deported with the right to appeal against the removal, even after deportation. That is something that is new. As far as your questions regarding the person who are wanted, we are pursuing these matters through appropriate channels.

Kallol Bhattacherjee, The Hindu: Kallol from The Hindu. Sir, what is your expectation from the Alaska Summit between President Putin and President Donald Trump? India has been working the telephone for the last few days. Has India played any role in facilitating this summit? Is there some Indian contribution to it that you may like to share with us?

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: You would have seen our statement. We did issue a statement welcoming the understanding reached between the United States and the Russian Federation for a meeting in Alaska on 15th August. This meeting holds the promise, as we had said, of bringing to an end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and opening up the prospects for peace. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said before on several locations: "This is not an era of war". India, therefore, endorses the upcoming summit. So, we are endorsing the upcoming summit meeting, and stand ready to support these efforts.

With that, we come to the close of this press briefing. Thank you very much ladies and gentleman.

New Delhi
August 14, 2025