In the recent MEA briefing, the official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal spoke on a range of topics spanning from deployment of trade attache in Afghanistan and Pakistan’s reactions and questions regarding the current situation in India. Here are the key takeaways from the media interaction at the Ministry:
Pakistan’s Reaction to the PM Hosting the Flag at Ayodhya Temple
On a question about Pakistan’s reaction, he said that India has seen the reported remarks and rejects them with the contempt they deserve. He added, “As a country with a deeply stained record of bigotry, repression, and systemic mistreatment of its minorities, Pakistan has no moral standing to lecture others. Rather than delivering hypocritical homilies, Pakistan would do better to turn its gaze inward and focus on its own abysmal human rights record.”
Arunachal Pradesh Issue where an indian citizen with valid passport was detained fro extended hours.
Regarding the arbitrary detention of an Indian citizen from Arunachal Pradesh, who was holding a valid passport while transiting through Shanghai International Airport en route to Japan, he stated: “We want to say that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inalienable part of India, and this is self-evident. No amount of denial by the Chinese side will change this indisputable reality. At the same time, we have taken up this matter.”
Speaking on whether such incidents might strain India-China relations, he said: “The maintenance of peace and tranquility in the border regions is a prerequisite for the continued and overall development of India-China bilateral relations. Our position in this regard has always been very clear and consistent since October 2024. Both sides have worked closely to maintain peace in the border regions, and on this basis, progress—especially with a focus on people-centric engagements—has been made.”
Statements from Dhaka to return Sheikh Hasina and Awami League
On the request regarding Sheikh Hasina, he said: “Yes, we have received the request, and it is being examined. As part of ongoing judicial and internal legal processes, we remain committed to the best interests of the people of Bangladesh, including peace, democracy, inclusion, and stability, and will continue to engage accordingly.”
On the possibility of trade attache being deployed in Afghanistan
On the question regarding the deployment of trade attaché to Afghanistan, he said that he had several meetings, including with the External Affairs Minister, the Commerce and Industry Minister, and the Minister of State for Commerce and Industry. He also attended the India International Trade Fair, where several Afghan companies displayed their products and services.
“During his visit he aimed at strengthening Afghanistan-India business ties, he met key chambers and export-promoting agencies, including the PHD Chamber of Commerce, Farmexcel, APIDA, and TEXPROCIL, which focuses on textile exports. Discussions covered market access, trade facilitation for Afghan goods in India, connectivity, capacity building, and other trade-related matters. The visit also saw agreements to launch air freight corridors between Kabul-Delhi and Kabul-Amritsar, reactivate the joint working group on trade, commerce, and investment, and appoint commercial representatives in the respective embassies”.
He added: “It was also agreed that we will institutionalize an arrangement whereby we have a joint chamber of commerce and industry to bring both sides—Afghanistan and India—together to further promote bilateral trade and commercial cooperation. The visit was very productive, and the outcomes were very positive. Regarding when our ambassador will be posted, these matters depend on the functional requirements of our upgraded embassy. Details are being looked into, and we will keep you updated.”
On the upcoming India-Russia Summit
Speaking about the upcoming India-Russia summit, he said: “Both sides are working on the annual summit to be held in Delhi. As far as the dates are concerned, we will update you in a few days. Both sides are working hard to strengthen ties, and several issues that will form part of the summit outcomes are currently under discussion.”
Visas for Chinese Nationals
On whether business visas are being offered to Chinese nationals, he said: “Tourist visas are being issued to Chinese nationals, and business visas were being issued earlier. All those visas are now in place, and the visa regime for tourism and business is fully functional.”
Relations Between Israel and India
On relations with Israel, he said: “India has a history that goes back thousands of years with Israel, and over the last several decades, there has been movement of people and strong links between India and the Israeli or Jewish heritage. We have seen reports of members of a lost tribe from India traveling to Israel. India has a large diaspora, and many people travel to different countries for economic reasons or family reunions. It is for them to decide what they wish to do.”
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