New Delhi: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal addressed the weekly media briefing and outlined India’s position on a range of regional and international issues.
Here are the key highlights:
1. India condemns Pakistan’s attack on Afghanistan
India strongly condemned the reported Pakistani attack on Afghanistan, reiterating its concerns over developments affecting regional peace and stability.
2. Pakistan must take credible action against terrorism
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Pakistan needs to take “credible action” against terrorism, underlining India’s longstanding position that terrorism must be addressed through concrete measures.
3. India-Japan relations progressing well
On India-Japan ties, Jaiswal said the relationship is “doing very well”, reflecting the continued momentum in bilateral engagement.
4. US-Russia sanctions could affect global energy markets
The MEA spokesperson said the proposed US-Russia sanctions legislation could have implications for global energy markets, given the interconnected nature of international energy supplies.
5. Japan holds a special place in India’s foreign relations
Jaiswal described India as having a “special relationship with Japan”, highlighting the importance of the bilateral partnership.
6. India reiterates call for diplomacy on Russia-Ukraine conflict
Responding to a question about External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar’s meeting with Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Jaiswal reiterated India’s position that the Russia-Ukraine conflict should be addressed through dialogue and diplomacy.
7. India wants positive and constructive ties with Bangladesh
On India-Bangladesh relations, Jaiswal said New Delhi wants to take the relationship in a “positive, constructive and forward-looking” direction.
8. DNA identification underway for Indians missing after Nepal floods
On Indians reported missing following the devastating floods in Nepal, Jaiswal said Indian forensic teams are examining around 3,000 DNA samples, of which 1,200 have been matched.
9. India backs P4M initiative
The MEA reiterated India’s support for the P4M initiative, reflecting its continued engagement with international and regional cooperation mechanisms.
10. India rejects Pakistan’s description of a so-called arbitration ruling
Reacting to Pakistan’s claim regarding a purported ruling, Jaiswal said it was not a ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration, as portrayed by Pakistan’s Minister. He described it as a decision by what India considers an illegally constituted court, and accused Pakistan of attempting to distort the facts.
11. Nepal undertaking internal assessment on assistance
Regarding discussions on Indian assistance to Nepal during the visit of Nepal’s Finance Minister to India, Jaiswal said Nepal is conducting its own internal assessments.
The briefing covered a wide range of issues, with India reiterating its positions on counter-terrorism, regional stability, strategic partnerships, global conflicts, humanitarian assistance and neighbourhood relations. (mea.gov.in)