New Delhi: Reacting to the Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif statement, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi on Thursday said that India wants friendly relations with all countries but for this an environment free of terror and hostility is imperative.

Addressing the media, Bagchi said that they have seen the reports and India stand is consistent on the relation with other countries in the world.

#WATCH | MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi on Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif's comment on India regarding talks between the countries says, "We have seen the reports. India’s position is consistent in that we want friendly relations with all the countries…But for this an environment… pic.twitter.com/wMPa8u6WZL

— ANI (@ANI) August 3, 2023

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He said that India wants friendly relations with all the countries but for this an environment free of terror & hostility is imperative.

#WATCH | MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi on the US state department's comment on the Haryana incident, says, "You are aware of the measures taken by the local authorities to put a stop to violence & to restore peace. The comments by the state department we saw also refer to the… pic.twitter.com/8QsBkIyH4v

— ANI (@ANI) August 3, 2023

While speaking over the remarks of the US state department on Haryana violence, MEA spokesperson empahsised on the measures taken by the local authorities to stop the communal clashes in the state.

Read more: Allahabad high court upholds ASI survey of Gyanvapi Mosque amid controversy

Bagchi said, “You are aware of the measures taken by the local authorities to put a stop to violence and to restore peace. The comments by the state department we saw also refer to the same…We would like to see a return to normalcy and peace.”

However, he said that they have given high priority to the baby Ariha Shah’s case.

#WATCH | MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi on baby Ariha Shah's case, "We are giving high priority to this case… We have called the German Ambassador this week regarding this. We've asked the German authorities to bring back the child at the earliest. We are in touch with the… pic.twitter.com/8A0rk3Stgz

— ANI (@ANI) August 3, 2023

Bagchi informed that they have asked the German authorities to bring back the child at the earliest. “We are in touch with the German authorities,” MEA spokesperson.

#WATCH | MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi on India's position on BRICS says, "We have clarified our position in the past. BRICS members are internally discussing the guiding principles, standards, criteria & procedures for BRICS expansion. This is simply not true that India has… pic.twitter.com/A2Vre2THYq

— ANI (@ANI) August 3, 2023

Speaking on the India’s position on Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS), MEA spokesperson stated that BRICS members are internally discussing their principles, standards, criteria and procedures for expansion.

Haryana Violence

On July 31, the violence broke out during a religious procession in Nuh, situated just 50 km from Delhi, following the circulation of an objectionable viral video. As the mob attacked the procession with stones, over 2,500 participants sought refuge in a temple.

On August 1, rioting occurred in Badshahpur, located 50 km from Nuh. A mob of approximately 200 people armed with sticks and stones vandalized several shops, including meat shops, and set fire to an eatery while chanting religious slogans. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

The aftermath of yesterday’s 18-hour communal clash in Nuh, Haryana, which resulted in five fatalities and left over 70 people injured, has reached Sector 70 in Gurugram. A shop and shanties adjacent to a residential complex were set on fire.

Gurgaon ACP Crime Varun Kumar Dahiya urged people to contact helpline no. 112 in case of any violence and warned against believing rumors. He assured that vehicular movement is not restricted, and the internet is functioning.