New Delhi : The Ministry of External Affairs’ biweekly media briefing, addressed by official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, covered the flood situation in Nepal, the status of Indian nationals in the affected areas, humanitarian assistance, the upcoming BRICS Summit and several regional and international issues.
Jaiswal briefed the media on India’s efforts to assist Indian citizens affected by the floods in Nepal. He said the situation remained dynamic and that the ministry was continuously reconciling information received from different sources regarding Indian nationals in the affected areas.
The spokesperson also discussed India’s humanitarian assistance to Nepal, including the dispatch of relief material, rescue support and coordination with the authorities concerned.
Questions on BRICS Summit
During the briefing, a journalist sought details about the BRICS Summit 2026, which is scheduled to be held in New Delhi on September 12 and 13. India is chairing the grouping this year.
The journalist asked for information about the heads of state and government expected to attend the summit and the leaders invited by the Government of India. Particular interest was expressed in whether the Chinese and Russian presidents would participate in the meeting.
The BRICS Summit is expected to bring together leaders of member and partner countries, along with other invitees. A final leader-by-leader attendance list had not been publicly confirmed at the time of the briefing.
Nepal Floods and Hydropower Projects
Another journalist asked whether the floods in Nepal had affected hydropower projects in the country and whether there had been any impact on the Indian side.
Questions were also raised about dams and other water-related infrastructure being constructed on the Chinese side of the border. Journalists sought to know whether such construction had contributed to the devastating floods in Nepal and whether China had been informed about the difficulties faced by the affected region.
An Indian journalist referred to remarks reportedly made by Nepal’s Science Minister linking the flood situation to construction activity in China. The journalist asked for the Indian government’s response to those claims.
India-China Engagement
The media also sought details about the outcome of the meeting in Beijing between National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Chinese Vice-President Han Zheng.
The meeting took place amid continuing diplomatic engagement between India and China on the boundary question and broader bilateral relations. Journalists asked the MEA spokesperson about the issues discussed and the possible implications of the interaction for India-China ties.
Questions on Bangladesh and Pakistan-Kuwait Defence Cooperation
The law-and-order situation in Bangladesh was also raised during the briefing. Journalists sought the government’s assessment of the developments and their possible implications for the region.
A woman journalist asked about the visit of Kuwait’s Defence Minister to Pakistan and sought India’s reaction to reported military cooperation between Kuwait and Pakistan.
The briefing reflected the range of regional issues being monitored by India, including humanitarian developments in Nepal, India-China engagement, the situation in Bangladesh, preparations for the BRICS Summit and emerging defence partnerships in the region.