Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: A very good afternoon to all of you. Thank you for joining us for this regular media briefing. I don't have any announcements so perhaps I'll start taking questions.
Rishabh: Hi sir, Rishabh from Times Now. Sir, two things. First, the Canadian Prime Minister has said that India is wrong, we are taking all appropriate action against any violence or terrorism, we are not taking it lightly. This after he was asked that India is upset over the tableau on Indira Gandhi's assassination as well as threat to Indian diplomats.
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Noted, thank you. You had a question? I didn't realize. What is it? You have a question? I don't know what your question is.
Rishabh: Basically, the Prime Minister is saying that...
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: I know, I know, I read that.
Rishabh: what does India stand on it?
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Stand on what?
Rishabh: On Canada's action against anti-India activities there.
Ayushi Agarwal: Sir, Ayushi Agarwal from ANI. Just adding on that, when asked on Khalistani extremism, Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau has also said that we have taken strict action against terrorism. May we know if Canada has apprised us of what actions they have taken so far? Any arrests being made or individuals being prosecuted?
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Look, I think there seems to be a lot of interest in this. So let me focus on this and take all the questions related to that. It might be easier.
Kallol: Kallol Bhattacharjee from The Hindu. Sir, we have seen that you have summoned the Canadian High ComMissioner after the incident there. But why haven't you summoned the US Ambassador despite the fire incident in Indian Consulate in San Francisco, number one. And secondly, do you think that the Canadian...
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Why not the question for the other two or other three countries?
Kallol: Exactly. So therefore...
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: No, your question is only specific to the US. Why are you specific?
Kallol: Let me complete this. So I'm just saying that if there is a threat...Yeah, okay. I'm saying that, you know, is the threat in the Canadian context greater or more severe that you are summoning the Canadian High ComMissioner but not the US Ambassador?
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Okay. Related to this whole issue.
Reza: Yeah, Reza. Reza from the Hindustan Times. My question was, you know, related to the rally that is being planned in London on July 8th. Are we in touch with the UK authorities? I mean, the UK Foreign Minister has given a statement, but what are we doing about this? And how serious is this threat from this rally?
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Anybody else on this whole issue?
Manas: This is Manas from PTI, Press Trust of India. I mean, we have been seeing, you know, increasing threats to our Missions in these countries, Australia, Canada, UK, as well as US is the latest to join it. How do we see the overall threat to our Missions in these countries and what is the message to these countries that we have conveyed and how we are trying to protect our diplomats and our Missions in these countries?
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Okay. Hopefully that's the last of it because I know there's interest, it is an important issue. Let me try to answer some parts of it and some general comments. Look, the Canada one specifically because I think there was reports of, you know, that's where it started off. There is a rally on the, so-called rally on the 8th. First and foremost, there are two separate elements. You would have seen posters inciting violence against Indian diplomats. I think, Manas, you were referring to that. What do we do? What is our overall sense? Look, our sense is that these posters inciting violence against our diplomats and our diplomatic premises abroad are unacceptable and we condemn them in the strongest terms. With respect to Canada, the matter has been strongly taken up with the Canadian authorities, both in New Delhi and in Ottawa. We have called on the Government of Canada to take all steps to ensure the safety of our diplomats and security of our diplomatic Missions in Canada. It is a matter of concern that freedom of expression and speech is once again being misused by anti-India elements based in Canada and elsewhere. And we continue to press the Canadian side to ensure that our diplomats can carry out their normal functions without fear or intimidation. We have seen some comments, at least the media reports about comments by Prime Minister Trudeau, but let me make the larger point that the issue is not about freedom of expression, but its misuse for advocating violence, for propagating separatism and for legitimizing terrorism. So that's actually what we would like to, you know, emphasize.
We have also had instances or situations where, you know, where these kind of threats have also taken place, in the U.S., Australia and the U.K., to name a few. You would have seen External Affairs Minister himself mentioned in the context of, I think, Prime Minister Trudeau's comments, that External Affairs Minister strongly believes that countries should not pander to vote-bank politics. We have seen comments by U.K. Foreign Secretary. I think that comment somebody asked specifically about U.K. As you are aware, we have had problems with the security of our Mission in London. We have taken up this latest issue of threats against our diplomats with the U.K. authorities. We have noted these comments by U.K. Foreign Secretary, but we would naturally judge them by what happens on the ground. In the name of freedom of expression, we should not be giving space to those who advocate violence or, as I said, propagate separatism or legitimize terrorism. We have noted posters circulating in other countries also, as I mentioned. In the U.S. specifically, we have also...we are in touch with all these countries. And the U.S. specifically, and I think some of you mentioned, there was an arson attempt by extremist elements at the Indian Consulate in San Francisco on the morning of July 2nd. It was quickly brought under control by local authorities. We again strongly condemn such attacks against Indian diplomatic premises abroad. And as I mentioned, we have taken up the matter with the U.S. side. The U.S. administration has responded promptly at very senior levels. I would, in fact, draw your attention to the statement of the U.S. State Department, I think it was, strongly condemning the vandalism and attempted arson and terming such acts as criminal offenses.
Let me make a larger point. The safety of our diplomats and security of our Missions is of utmost priority to the Government. As regards what measures are being taken, I would not like to comment on specific security elements, but certainly our Missions and Consulates, particularly in the U.S. as well as other places, are in touch with the local authorities about requisite security measures and what we expect, can be done to ensure that there is no threat to the diplomats and that instances of vandalism or attacks on our premises do not take place, particularly under the guise of rallies under freedom of expression, which are effectively, only serve to incite violence. I think that broadly covers all the situation that I have. I don't have any assessment as to whether a rally in London...I think Reza asked, how serious is it, but yes, if there are attacks or threats against our diplomats, our premises, which actually is there right in those posters, we take them very seriously and we have been taking out the matter, we would expect to see action by host authorities against it.
Shalinder Wangu: Sir, Shalinder Wangu News18 se. Aapne dekha hoga ki jis tarah se bhartiya rajnayikon ki tasvire jari ki ja rahi hain, teen chaar deshon mai humne dekha hai khalistan supporters is tarah ke posters jari kar rahe hain. Toh aise mai humne un deshon se kis tarah se is mudde ko uthaya hai?
[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] You must have observed that the way images of Indian diplomats are being circulated, we have seen Khalistan supporters releasing such posters in three or four countries. So in this context, how have we raised this issue with those countries?
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Jaise abhi main angrezi mai keh raha tha ye posters ka jo mudda hai ye bahot serious hai, jisme hamare diplomats aur hamare Embassies aur Consulate ke khilaf unko violance incite kiya ja raha hai, unko dhamki di ja rahi hain, humne sab sarkaron se, aapne charon ka naam liya unse ye mudde pe baat ki hain. Kuch jagah pe kuch immediate reaction hua hai, kuch jagah hum apeksha karte hain koi response aaye. Jaisa maine kaha ek attack bhi hua tha, aur arson attempt bhi hua tha hamare Consulate San Francisco mai wahan. US administration ne kafi high level pe bhi usme respond kiya hai, uspe action ho raha hai. Humne Canada ke sath bhi is mudde ko uthaya hai aur humne statements bhi dekhe hai abhi pradhan mantri Trudeau se. Par mudda freedom aur expression ka nahi hai, mudda hai ki iska misuse ho raha hai, ismai aatankwadi tatvon ko mauka diya ja raha hai, algavwaadi tatvon ko mauka diya ja raha hai, ya aatankwad jo failate hain unko samarthan mil raha hai ya mauka mil raha hai. Hum chahenge wo, aur UK mai bhi humne UK foreign secretary ka statement dekha hai, hum janna chahenge ki actual situation kya ho raha hai, aur wo kya action lenge kyu ki wahan pe pahle bhi aisa ek incident ho chuka hai. Aur hum bahot seriously lete hain aise attacks aur threats, aur ismai jo bhi karyawahi karna hai hum karte rahenge aur security ke specific mamlon pe main kehna nahi chahunga kuch aur...par hum, hamari counsulates aur embassy najar banaye hue hain, contact hain local authorities ke sath ki jo bhi measures liye jane jaruri hain usmai hum kis tarah se unke sath baat karke ye measures lagaye ja sake.
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] As I was just saying in English, the issue of these posters is very serious. It involves inciting violence against our diplomats, Embassies, and Consulates, along with issuing threats. We have approached all the governments and discussed this matter with them, as you mentioned the names of all four countries. Some places have shown an immediate reaction, while in others, we are expecting a response. As I mentioned, there was an attack and an arson attempt at our Consulate in San Francisco. The US administration has responded to it at a high level, and actions are being taken. We have also raised this issue with Canada, and we have seen statements from Prime Minister Trudeau. However, the issue is not about freedom of expression; the issue is of its misuse, which provides an opportunity for terrorist elements or separatist elements to thrive and gain support. We expect that they, and in UK also, we have seen the statement from the UK Foreign Secretary, and we would like to know the actual situation and what actions they will take because a similar incident has happened there before. We take these attacks and threats very seriously, and we will continue to take necessary actions. Regarding specific security matters, I would not like to comment further, but we and our Consulates & embassy are closely watching, and are in contact with local authorities to ensure that the necessary measures are taken and implemented in coordination with them.
Okay. Moving on to other topics, please.
Sidhant: Sir Sidhant from WION, my question is, Taiwan is opening its center, its office in Mumbai. How do you see this development as, was there any conversation between the two sides when it comes to opening of this office?
Meghna Dev: So, Meghna Dev from DD News. Diplomatic Advisor to the French President is in India and he has met the National Security Advisor as well. This comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to France. Can you tell us more on anything on the discussions and who else is he meeting?
Srinjoy: Sir, Times Now, the Indian Ambassador to Paris is also here. He's also here for discussions regarding the visit. So, if you could tell us a little on what are the issues that we are looking at on the 14th.
Ileana: Good afternoon, TASS News Agency, Ileana. My first question is on Black Sea grain initiative deal. Does India follow the developments on this deal? How important is it for India and do you have any plans like mediate on this issue?
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Mediate?
Ileana: Mediate. So, and on 30th of June, our leaders, I mean, Mr. Modi and Mr. Putin had a conversation, telephone conversation, and we all of course saw your press release on it. And it also read like both leaders agreed to remain in touch. In what touch? Any plans of visits to Moscow, of course by Modi or other Indian high-level officials?
Yeshi Seli: Yeshi Seli from the New Indian Express. It's been close to 11 months since those eight naval veterans have been under solitary confinement. What are the charges? What are they going through? Are they still under solitary confinement? Have they been moved to jail? What are they going through? I mean, where is it?
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Okay, let me try to answer this sort of question. Sidhant, on your specific questions of the...I think this was the third office that you were referring to. Look, normally, okay, let me put it to you from this perspective. Our policy on Taiwan is clear and consistent. Government facilitates and promotes interactions in areas of trade, investment, tourism, culture, education, and other such people-to-people contacts and exchanges. The opening of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Center in Mumbai that you referred to should be seen in that context. Of course, we are aware of this development.
Meghna, Srinjoy, your queries were regarding France. Yes, the Diplomatic Advisor of France is here, but the visit is ongoing. He met...his principal interlocutor has been...actually NSA, and the conversation happened today morning. I am not in a position to share more on it right now as the visit is still unfolding. We will try to get you more updates. This does come...I notice you mentioned our Ambassadors here, but that I don't think is a matter of foreign policy. But in terms of the importance of the visit that's coming up, this is an important, we have announced this visit. Prime Minister would be the Chief Guest at the Bastille Day celebrations. There are a number of issues that are on the agenda generally, and we hopefully will be able to share more with you closer to the date. And as usual, we'll try to do a briefing on all the issues related to that visit immediately prior to that, Prime Minister's departure. So please bear with us. We'll share with you more details as we go along.
Ileana, look, you're asking the same question I answered some months ago, in fact, on the Black Sea grain initiative. I don't think I'm looking at it specifically in the context of that initiative, but a larger issue of ensuring that in the context of the conflict in Ukraine, that we are able to have, ensure food security for developing countries in particular, and that grain is able to go to the countries where it is supposed to. I understand there were some renewals of that initiative. I don't have exact details of what is the status of that initiative now. We are not directly part of that discussions. But as I said, we have always been supportive of the need to look at the food security requirements of the developing world, particularly in the context of disruptions caused by the conflict in Ukraine. I do not understand what you mean by mediate. We are not part of those discussions. But on the larger issue of the conflict, we have always said that if there's something we can do, we'll do whatever we can to ensure peaceful resolution. And Prime Minister said that repeatedly. I don't have anything further to add to that. As regards your query of the conversation between Prime Minister and President Putin on 30th June, you're correct. We have issued a press release. There have been regular contacts, and I think that's what they meant to remain in touch. I don't have yet any information to share about any physical visits. We would, I think, hope to see President Putin at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in September. But whether there's a separate visit or not, I don't have anything particular to share at this moment.
Yeshi, regarding your query, again, this has been a topic that we have been following closely. As I think we mentioned, as you're aware, the case is in what is called the Court of First Instance, and so far, four hearings have taken place. The last hearing was on 21st of June, and the next hearing, I think, is later this month, 19th of July, if I remember correctly. We attach high priority to the case, and our Embassy in Qatar is of course closely following it. The full nature of the charges is not entirely clear. I know that the legal process is underway. We are ensuring that our nationals are receiving the required legal services. Meanwhile, the family members of the detainees continue to receive weekly phone calls and meetings. They are being updated with the proceedings of the case on a regular basis and we are trying to extend all possible support, consul and otherwise, to them and we will continue to share with you updates as the case progresses.
Akshay Dongare: Hi, sir, Akshay Dongare from India Today. Sir, outside the United Nations headquarters in New York, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun has issued another, a fresh video statement threatening India and saying that there will be a Khalistani referendum held in two places in Canada, one in Malton, Canada in July and second in September in Vancouver. So again, a threatening video coming from a Khalistani element. Will the Indian government take this matter up with the Canadian authorities?
Sridhar: Sir a related question.
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Related to? this one?
Sridhar: On the same issue.
Sridhar: The last one year or so, we have seen an upsurge in such events, especially in the Western countries. Sir, Sridhar from The Asian Age. So we have seen an upsurge in such incidents. And we have seen that our reaction has been to virtually plead with these host governments for security. And in a way, it makes us look vulnerable. So is there a time approaching when we have to sort of arrange for the security? We send our forces there or arrange for security of our own Missions there, or has anything been done in this context? Have we taken it up with these countries?
Megha: Hi, I'm Megha from NewsX. And my question is, in the recent months, there have been a lot of visits that have been made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the External Affairs Minister, whether it's Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands. Now, this is reportedly….
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: This is the Prime Minister's visit you're talking about, or the External Affairs Minister’s visits?
Megha: The Prime Minister's visit to Papua New Guinea. There have been other visits. Yeah. So my question is, what are the kind of investments, MOUs, or other associations we are looking at with these nations? Is this also to counter the growing influence of China in these regions?
Abhishek: Sir, my question is related to Akshay. He asked about this Pannun’s latest statement. My point is that the latest video that he has shared, that has been apparently in front of United Nations building. His organization, SFJ, I believe, has been prohibited. And when we say that these elements should be banned or there should be some action by the respective countries, have we escalated the issue of Pannun, time and again releasing anti-India sentiment and trying to lead the Khalistani movement from US to other countries as well, with the US authorities?
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: You didn't introduce yourself, did you?
Abhishek: I'm Abhishek from CNN News 18.
Madhurendra: Sir, Madhurendra News Nation se. Kuch media reports ke mutabik ye jankari mil rahi hai ki China chahta hai ki BRICS ka vistar ho, aur kuch sadasya deshon ko usmai joda jaye, iska Bharat virodh kar raha hai. Toh pura masla kya hai aur Bharat ka virodh kya hai agar aap bata sake?
[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Sir, this is Madhurendra from News Nation. According to some media reports, it is being said that China wants the expansion of BRICS and wants to include some member countries in it, but India is opposing it. Can you please explain the whole issue and India's opposition, if you can?
Manas: Manas from PTI. When you said, in fact, extremist and terrorist elements must not be given space in the name of freedom of speech, are you only referring to Canada, or in fact, it includes US, UK, Australia as well?
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Okay, thank you. Look, Akshay...I think, Abhishek, your query was also on the issue. I haven't seen this particular video, I must confess. We are aware of it, but I haven't seen it. A, first of all, I don't think taking a video in front of the UN building lends it any greater legitimacy. So I would like to remove that element. So what? It's probably on the streets of New York. I don't even know where it is, I'm presuming. As I mentioned in our initial set of questions, we have been consistently and regularly taking up cases of threats, etcetera, with the Canadian authorities and others. The so-called referendum, you know our views on this. I think we made it very clear repeatedly how we think of this. And this is not the first time, there seems to be...doing it regular basis just to keep the issue alive. And I think our views have been very clear. I don't probably need to reiterate that. But yes, you talked about being SFJ as a proscribed entity. Yes, it is a proscribed entity. We have been taking it up with our partner countries to ensure that their activities are proscribed. And that their threats, etcetera, they are unable to make that. This is a conversation that is ongoing. And depending on what the specific actions happen, the host authorities do take action, or at least we take it up with them on a regular basis.
Abhishek: You talked about Canada. Have you raised the issue of Pannun being scot-free in USA and doing all that things?
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: As I said, I don't want to go into a legal process. Wherever this kind of threats are made, we do take it up with the local authorities. Akshay mentioned specifically Canada and Vancouver. So I'm referring to Canada in that respect. But we have taken up wherever these threats emanate from or are made in respect of.
Who asked the question of surge? Yeah, Sridhar. Sridhar, I disagree with almost everything you said. Please understand that under the Vienna Convention, as per diplomatic practice, the responsibility of providing protection is with the host governments. That's what we do with all diplomats and other international organizations that are based out of India. And we expect that the host governments do the same, commensurate with the threat perception as well as other inputs that they get. There is no question of pleading or being vulnerable. We also have other security measures that are taken, including necessary security measures from our own side. But I would not like to discuss what specific security measures we are taking for obvious reasons. But let me emphasize that this is primarily a responsibility that we expect that host governments will discharge as per their obligations under the Vienna Convention. And that we are reminding them of what they need to do. And also bringing to their attention specific instances which might come to our attention.
Megha, your question is one of those PhD thesis. I will try to answer it in a very simple way. This year, actually, Prime Minister, as you know, has gone to various places. He had a three-country tour that took him to Japan, Papua New Guinea, and Australia. He has just recently done a visit, a very successful visit to the US. On the way back, he also did a State Visit to Egypt. In fact, there haven't been too many from the Prime Minister's side, but the External Affairs Minister has also been traveling. I'm not sure all visits, I would like to categorize them as related to China in any which way. Each visit has a certain context, has certain objectives, and a certain follow-up mechanism that happen. You mentioned investments, I don't know what you meant by investments, as in our investment, or it's just an investment of time and effort, I wasn't sure. But I think these are multifaceted visits, specifically when we talk about Papua New Guinea, you mentioned, I think it's a good opportunity to reach out to the Pacific Island countries, and this is the first time an Indian Prime Minister actually was there. I happen to have an opportunity to see the impact personally. I think it's something that will have a good response and impact as we go along in strengthening our relations, not just with Papua New Guinea, but with other countries. With Fiji, for example, we had the World Hindi Conference earlier this year. So there are multiple elements of every visit, and also the benefits in both countries that accrue from such activities. I don't know what you mean by specifically countering Chinese influence, our relationships stand on their own with each of these countries, and we would certainly like to strengthen and deepen them.
You had the same question, Manas, I answered your question.
Madhurendra ji aapka prashan tha BRICS ke vistar ke bare mai...Dekhiye is bare mai, I think foreign secretary ne bhi iska jawab diya tha, External Affairs Minister ne bhi I think unke press conference mai jawab diya tha. BRICS ko le ke, BRCIS ke jo sadasya hain unhone pichle Summit mai ek decision liya tha ki isko dekhne ke liye iska criteria dekhna chahiye, kya hamare working methods hain aur kis tarah hame expansion, membership criteria vageraha dekh ke fir hum keh sakte hain iske bare mai, yahi hamara abhi position hai. Ye hamare Summit me reflect karta hai, unke declaration mai, aur agle BRICS Summit mai ispe aur charcha hogi ki kis tarah se kya kya criteria ya objectives hain jiske basis pe hum naye members ke bare mai baat karain. Mujhe yaad hai External Affairs Minister Dr. Jaishankar ne jawab diya tha ki hum isko positive drishti se dekh rahe hain par ismai jo mechanism, process ya procedures hain unko pura karna padega. Toh aapne jo kaha ki kuch log support karte hain, aur hum oppose karte hain aisa ye aapka speculation hai, main ismai aapke sath sehmat nahi ho paunga.
[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Madhurendra ji, your question was about the expansion of BRICS. Regarding this matter, I believe Foreign Secretary had answered it and External Affairs Minister had addressed it in his press conference. In the previous Summit of BRICS, the member countries decided to consider the expansion based on certain criteria, working methods, and the way of expansion, membership criteria etc, This reflects our current position, as stated in the Summit Declaration. In the upcoming BRICS Summit, there will be further discussions on the criteria and objectives based on which we can talk about potential new members. I remember that External Affairs Minister Dr. Jaishankar mentioned that we are looking at it from a positive perspective, but the required mechanisms, processes, and procedures need to be fulfilled in it. So, your statement about some people supporting and us opposing it is speculation, and I cannot agree with you on this.
Reza: Reza from the Hindustan Times, there are some reports that the Permanent Court of Arbitration has ruled that it has the competence to take up this case on Kishanganga and Ratle. India hasn't joined the proceedings, but if you have anything on that?
Kallol: Kallol from the Hindu, there are reports that the US Ambassador in a press conference today has said that the developments in Manipur are concerning him.
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Are concerning him?
Kallol: It concerns him...in the sense that he's worried about that development, and then that the peace is essential for economic development and other advances in society. So I was wondering, would there be a response from you about, if he has really gone beyond a particular line, because do you think it's a…
Rishabh: Rishabh again from Times Now. Sir, the US Representative on Indo-Pacific has said that US and India both have their own issues, and US have no rights to lecture any country when it comes to human rights and democracy.
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Sorry, repeat again, what?
Rishabh: Sir, I'll just read the quote again. Kurt Campbell, who is the US National Security Council Coordinator for Indo-Pacific, he has said that every society, including US and India, has challenges and its problems. Each of us country is imperfect, and I don't think US can or should be in position where it lectures any other country. So as in regard of India, what does this signify about India-US relations?
Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Okay, on the Permanent Court of Arbitration, look, I haven't seen any formal communication yet from….on this, I've seen some media reports, but let me….since you raised the issue, let me just make a couple of points on this. One is that our consistent, as you mentioned, consistent and principled position has been that the constitution of this so-called Court of Arbitration is in contravention of the clear letter and spirit of the Indus Water Treaty. A neutral expert is already seized of the differences pertaining to the, I think, the Kishanganga and Ratle matter. The neutral expert proceedings are the only Treaty consistent proceedings at these junctures, and parallel proceedings on the same set of issues are actually prohibited under the Indus Water Treaty. And we have, as India has been participating in the Treaty consistent neutral expert proceedings, and the last meeting was held, I think, in 27th, 28th February, and the next meeting is to be held in September this year. And I don't think, you know, legal sophistry or due process or facade is not going to compel India to participate in what we think apparently illegal proceedings, instituted in contravention of the Treaty, that is the PCA. The Government has also been in talks with the Government of Pakistan on the modification of the India's Water Treaty under Article XII (3). So for the moment, let me say that. I have not seen any, as I said, official communication in this regard.
Kallol, as you said, I haven't seen those comments by the US Ambassador, and if he has made them, we'll see. I haven't had a chance to see, maybe it just happened. I think, you know...We would also like to see peace there, and I think that our agencies and our security forces are working, and our local government are working on it. I'm not sure foreign diplomats would usually comment on internal developments in India, but I won’t like to make a comment without seeing exactly what is being said.
Rishabh, it’s a comment Kurt Campbell made. Acknowledging that commenting on other people, other countries, is perhaps not accurate. And he said it. I don’t have any comment on it. I think it’s a reflection of the relations with India, and the candor and depth of the relations, that we can speak frankly on various issues and also acknowledge that we have many things that we can work together on.
Thank you. Thank you, good afternoon.