Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Good evening, dear friends. Let's begin our conversation. The floor is open.
Sidhant, WION: Hi sir, Sidhant from WION. We saw recently there was a case of an Indian national getting stuck at the Shanghai airport. We saw the reactions as well. But any guidance by the Indian side over the Indian nationals transiting through China, any suggestion to them, any caution for them?
Sahil Pandey, ANI: Sir, I am Sahil Pandey from ANI News Agency. The UK government has taken action against Gurpreet Singh Rehal of Babbar Khalsa and an outfit called Babbar Akali Lehar. How does India see such action against pro-Khalistan elements? Thank you.
Keshav Padmanabhan, The Print: Thank you, Sir. Keshav Padmanabhan from ThePrint. Last week you had the counter-terrorism dialogue with the US. In the statement it said that you are looking at designating more individuals under the 1267 sanctions list. Can you give us a sense of what the conversation was and whether there was any agreement that there were certain individuals that India is pushing to be sanctioned by the UN? Thank you.
Madhurendra, News Nation: Sir, Madhurendra, main News Nation se. Sir, hamare padosi desh Pakistan mein in dinon jo halat hain, khas taur par Imran Khan ki taraf aapka dhyan aakarshit karna chahunga. Jis tarah se unko salakhon ke bhitar rakha gaya hain, jo aandolan sadakon pe chal rahe hain, kis tarah se bharat dekh raha hai? Kyuki immediate neighborhood mein democracy ki jo halat hain Pakistan mei woh jahir taur pe hamare liye bhi chinta ka vishay hogi.
Aur mera dusra sawal IndiGo ko lekar hain. Jis tarah se IndiGo ki crisis chali tamam aise diplomats hain unhone tweet kiya, bataya ki kis tarah se unko bhi darassal is avyavastha ka samna karna pada toh kya MEA se bhi kisi ne narajagi jahir ki, ya apne messsage ko convey kiya aur bataya ki unki sthiti kya rahi?
[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, I am Madhurendra from News Nation. Sir, I would like to draw your attention to the situation these days in our neighbouring country, Pakistan—especially with regard to Imran Khan, the way he has been kept behind bars, and the protests unfolding on the streets. How is India viewing all this? Because the state of democracy in Pakistan, being in our immediate neighborhood, would obviously be a matter of concern for us as well.
And my second question is regarding IndiGo. The kind of crisis IndiGo has been facing—many diplomats have tweeted and shared how they too actually had to deal with this mismanagement. So has anyone from the MEA also conveyed displeasure or communicated their concerns, and explained what their experience has been?
Yeshi Seli, Business India: This is Yeshi Seli from Business India. My question is on the 8th naval veteran in Qatar. He has gone back to solitary confinement and is possibly going to be in jail for 6 more years. Anything on that?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay. So, first these questions and then we will come back for more.
First, Sidhant, your question. We fully share your concern following the recent incident at the Shanghai airport that you have cited. We expect the Chinese authorities to provide assurances that Indian citizens transiting through Chinese airports will not be selectively targeted, arbitrarily detained or harassed, and that regulations governing international air travel would be respected by the Chinese side. MEA would advise Indian nationals to exercise due discretion while travelling to China, or while transiting through the country.
Hum aapki chintaon se wakif hain aur sanjha karte hain, Shanghai hawai adde par haal hi mei hue ghatna ka inhone jikar kiya. Is silsile mei hum apkesha karte hain ki Cheeni sarkar, adhikari is baat ka aashwasan pradan karain ki Cheeni hawai addon se gujrane wale bhartiya nagrik ko kisi prakar ka nishana nahi banaya jayega, na hi manmane dhang se unhain roka jayega ya pareshan kiya jayega, aur Cheeni paksh antarastriya hawai yatra ko niyantran karne wale niyamon ka palan karenge. Videsh mantralaya bhartiya nagriko ko salah deta hain ki woh uchit savdhani bartein, jab woh china ki yatra kar rahein ho, ya cheen se gujar rahein hon.
[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] We are aware of your concerns and share them. They referred to the recent incident that took place at Shanghai airport. In this context, we expect that the Chinese government and officials will provide assurance that Indian citizens transiting through Chinese airports will not be targeted in any manner, nor will they be stopped or harassed arbitrarily, and that the Chinese side will adhere to the regulations governing international air travel. The Ministry of External Affairs advises Indian nationals to exercise appropriate caution when they are traveling to or transiting through China.
Sahil, coming to your question. We welcome the steps that have been taken by the UK government to sanction anti-India extremist entities, which strengthen the global fight against terrorism and extremism, and help to curb illicit financial flows and transnational crime networks. Such individuals and entities pose a threat not just to India and the UK, but to people across the world. We look forward to continuing to work very closely with the UK side in further strengthening our counter-terrorism and security cooperation.
Keshav, on the CT Dialogue, yes, we had the 21st meeting of India-US Counter-Terrorism Working Group meeting. This was held on 3rd of December. We have also given a comprehensive readout of all that was discussed as part of this CT Dialogue, which is very important. And it has been happening for several years now. Both sides attach high importance to counter-terrorism cooperation. It is an important element of our comprehensive global strategic partnership that we share with the United States. The two sides strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, as also the recent terror attack that happened in Delhi. The two sides renewed their commitment to strengthening multilateral cooperation in the fields of terrorism, including at the UN, including within the format of QUAD, as also in the format of Financial Action Task Force and several other multilateral forums where we continue to discuss these aspects. The two sides called for additional designations of ISIS and Al-Qaeda affiliates and Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed and their proxy groups. So, it once again demonstrates the kind of commitment that both India and the United States share, understand and are working with to strengthen fight against terrorism, and to strengthen global fight against terrorism. For more details, I would say that if you can look at our press release or statement that we had issued on 6th of December. You will have more details in regard to all that was discussed, over and above what I have said.
Madhu, Pakistan ko leke aapka sawaal dekhiye … Pakistan mein jo bhi ghatnaayein hoti hai, us par hamari paini nazar rehti hai. Lekin jahan tak loktantra ki baat keh rahe hain aap ki Pakistan mein loktantra lacheela ho raha hai, usmein kamzori aa raha hai, uske taakaton ko kamzor kiya ja raha hai… loktantra aur Pakistan dono saath saath mein nahi jaate. Jitna kam baat karein utna accha hoga.
[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Madhu, regarding your question on Pakistan — look, whatever developments take place in Pakistan, we keep a close watch on them. But, as far as your point about democracy is concerned… that democracy in Pakistan is becoming increasingly fragile; it is weakening; or its strengths are being systematically eroded… Democracy and Pakistan do not go together — the less said on this, the better.
Jahan tak Indigo ka sawaal hai, Indigo pe jo upyukt mantralaya hai is mudde pe kaam kar rahi hai, aur mera aap se agrah hoga ki jo bhi sarkaari kamkaj is masle pe ho raha hai vo us mantralaya dwaara aapko avgat karaya jaayega.
[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] As far as the IndiGo issue is concerned, the concerned ministry is working on the matter, and I would request you to note that whatever official actions are being taken on this issue will be communicated to you by that ministry.
Yeshi, on the 8th Naval Veteran, I don't have an update on this particular issue. But I will revert to you with the latest.
Akhilesh Suman, Doordarshan News: Sir, I am Akhilesh Suman from Doordarshan News. US National Security Strategy 2025 has been released on Friday and their strategy mentions India also. It says that it will encourage New Delhi to contribute to Indo-Pacific security, including through QUAD.
It also mentions cooperation with India in commerce, trade and also in technology and critical minerals. So what is your reaction on that?
Krishanmohan Sharma, Bharat Express: Sir, Krishanmohan Sharma, Bharat Express se. Bangladesh mein phir se brutal killings shuru ho gayi hain. Ek freedom fighter, jo 75 saal unki umar hain aur unki wife ko gardan kaat kar unko maar diya gaya. Aur Awami League ne ye kaha hain ki yahan par targeted killing phir se minorities ke sath shuru ho gayi hain.
[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, Krishnamohan Sharma from Bharat Express. In Bangladesh, brutal killings have started again — a freedom fighter, who was 75 years old, and his wife were killed. And the Awami League has said that targeted killings against minorities have once again begun there.
Niraj, News18 India: Sir, Niraj hoon News18 India se. Sir, Arunachal Pradesh pe haal mei Cheen ne jo bayan diya tha, uska samarthan kiya hain Pakistan ne, Pakistan ke videsh mantralaya ne. Bharat ke aantarik mamle mei Pakistan ke dakhal ko kaise videsh mantralaya dekhta hain?
Aur dusra ek sawal hain Cheen se juda hua. Rashtrapati Putin ki yatra par Cheen ke videsh mantralaya ne kaha hain ki Cheen, Russia aur Bharat ke sath dwipakshiya sambandhon ko aage badhane ke liye bhi taiyar hain, aur baki jo rannitik mudde hain unpe bhi aage badhne ko taiyar hain. Is bayan ko kaise dekh raha hai Bharat?
[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, this is Niraj from News18 India. Sir, the recent statement made by China on Arunachal Pradesh has been supported by Pakistan — Pakistan’s foreign ministry has endorsed it. How does the Ministry of External Affairs view Pakistan’s interference in India’s internal matters?
And, my second question is related to China. During President Putin’s visit, China’s foreign ministry said that China is ready to further strengthen bilateral relations with Russia and India, and is also willing to move forward on other strategic issues. How does India view this statement?
Azadeh Moshiri, BBC: Azadeh Moshiri. I am the new South Asia correspondent of the BBC News. Following up on some comments of President Putin’s visit last week. President Putin said Russia was prepared to deliver uninterrupted fuel shipments to India. Yet, at this point, has India decided that fuel from Russia must be limited in light of the pressure from Washington.
Wahid Awad, Arab News: I am Wahid Awad from Arab News. Actually, I wanted to ask regarding, the likely visit by the Prime Minister to Oman and Jordan. Do you have anything to give us on these visits, please, and what is the agenda? Thank you.
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay, Akhilesh, first we come to your question. Yes, we have seen the report that you mentioned. It underscores the importance that the United States attaches to India as a key partner. As you know, we have a multifaceted relationship with the United States. Both countries enjoy comprehensive global strategic partnership, and continue to work to further strengthen these ties.
Krishnamohan ji, jahan tak kanoon vyavstha ka sawal hain Bangladesh mein. Hamne pehle bhi kaha hai ye wahan ke sarkar ki jimmedari hain ki wahan par kanoon vyavastha aur jis prakar ka mahaul hai unko vo sambhalein.
[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Krishnamohan ji, as far as the issue of law and order in Bangladesh is concerned, it is the responsibility of their government to maintain law and order and the overall environment there.
Niraj, Arunachal Pradesh pe jo humko tippani karna tha usse aap bhali bhaanti wakif hain. Humne kai dafa bataya hai ki ye Bharat ka andhruni ang hain aur rahega, aur usmein hum kisi prakar ka hastkshep nahi chahte hain.
[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Niraj, we have already made our position on Arunachal Pradesh very clear. We have repeatedly stated that it is an integral part of India and will remain so, and we do not accept any kind of interference in this matter.
Jahaan tak Cheen Bharat ke rishtey ka sawaal hai uske baare mein jab hum logon ki baatcheet hui hain Cheeni paksh se, hum logon ne aapko bataya hai ki kis prakar se ye rishtey dheere dheere ek positive direction mein sakaraatmak disha mein badh rahi hai. Aur hum usko usi disha mein le jana chahte hain.
[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] As far as the China-India relationship is concerned, whenever we have had discussions with the Chinese side, we have conveyed to you how these relations are gradually moving in a positive direction. And we wish to take it in that same direction.
On energy sourcing, we have maintained a consistent policy, and I have made this clear in several occasions that our energy sourcing is dependent on the dynamics in the global market, as also the imperative for us to provide energy at affordable rates to our 1.4 billion people. As far as sourcing of energy or buying of oil and energy by our private companies are concerned, it is something that is for them to decide based on commercial consideration. That is again based on the dynamics in the global oil market.
Awad, on the Prime Minister's visit that you referred, we will keep you updated in this regard. We will update you as and when these things are finalized, and hopefully we can come up with that soon.
Ajay Banerjee: Good evening, I am Ajay Banerjee from the Tribune. I seek a clarification, sir. You just answered on energy sourcing. So, do I understand correctly that we have not imposed an embargo on our companies to source oil from Russia?
Gautam Lahiri: Thank you, sir. This is a follow-up, rather a clarification from India-Russia joint statement on nuclear cooperation. I believe that there was a proposal to set up a nuclear plant in West Bengal, Haripura, which has not been taken up. So, they are asking perhaps for the alternative site. So, can we say that Haripura project is abandoned, and you will be finding out a new site for the attempt?
Shailendra Wangu, News18 India: Sir, Shailendra Wangu, News18 India. Sir, recently humne phir dekha hain ki Pakistan ne phir ek baar clash shuru kiya hain Afghanistan ke saath, jismein civilians mare gaye hain, recently, weekend pe hua tha.
Aur dusra sir humne ye bhi dekha hain ki aaj hi Thailand aur Cambodia ke beech clashes hue hain, bavjood iske ki President Trump ne claim kiya tha ye un 8 wars mein se ek hain jahan par unhone madhyastata kar ke war band karaya tha. Ispe aapka comment?
[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, Shailendra Wangu from News18 India. Sir, recently we have again seen that Pakistan has initiated a clash in Afghanistan, in which civilians were killed—this happened over the recent weekend.
And secondly, sir, we also saw that clashes have occurred today between Thailand and Cambodia, despite President Trump having claimed that this was one of the eight wars where he had mediated to stop the conflict. What is your comment on this?
Jugal, BBC: Sir, this is Jugal from Collective Newsroom for the BBC. Just a short question, Sir. Is India preparing to host the Ukrainian President, Mr. Volodymyr Zelenskyy, anytime soon?
Reza, the Hindustan Times: Reza from the Hindustan Times. Myanmar is set to go to elections, but several political forces within the country are questioning the credibility of the process. I was wondering if you could tell us about New Delhi's stand on these upcoming elections?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: So, Ajay, first to your question. On oil purchases and energy sourcing, our point has been very clear. It is based on the imperative to meet the energy security needs of our people. As also the dynamics that are there in the global oil market.
Gautam, your question on nuclear cooperation with the Russian Federation. This is a pillar of cooperation that has been going on for several years and decades now. And, one of the successes of this cooperation … During this particular annual summit as well, it was a matter which was discussed between both sides, as to how it can be taken forward further. Insofar as your specific query regarding the site that you mentioned is concerned, I will have to get back to you as to what is the update in that regard.
Shailendra, aapka sawal Afghanistan Pakistan ke seemavarti elakon mei wahan jo ladai chal rahi hain usko le ke hain. Toh ismein humne dekha hain ki kai ek saare civilian log hain unki maut hui hain. Hum iski aur aise attacks ki ninda karte hain jismei civilians ko nishana banaya ja raha hain. Aur sath hi sath Bharat Afghanistan ki samprabhuta, kshetriya akhandta aur unki azaadi ka samarthan karta hai.
[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Shailendra, your question is about the fighting taking place in the Afghanistan–Pakistan border areas. We have seen that many civilians have been killed there. We condemn this, and all such attacks in which civilians are being targeted. At the same time, India supports Afghanistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence.
We have seen reports of border clashes in which several Afghan civilians have been killed. We condemn such attacks on innocent Afghan people. India strongly supports the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of Afghanistan.
On Thailand and Cambodia, we are closely following the developments there. We hope that both sides will exercise restraint, and there will be cessation of hostilities. We urge both sides to return to the path of dialogue and peace.
Jugal, on your question regarding the visit that you referred to, I don't have any update to share on this particular matter.
Reza, your question regarding Myanmar. India supports transition to democracy in Myanmar, and is of the view that participation of all stakeholders is important for the credibility of the elections, the electoral exercise that is to happen there. It needs be free, fair and inclusive. India will continue to support all efforts that advance peace, dialogue, and return to normalcy in the country.
Kallol Bhattacherjee, the Hindu: Kallol from The Hindu sir. Taking forward the Myanmar issue. Mizzima News of Myanmar has reported that 21 million out of the 53 million people of Myanmar are in need of humanitarian assistance. What has India been doing in this regard? Myanmar is a neighboring country. If 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance.I mean you have been supporting the humanitarian needs of people of Afghanistan, for example. You have always made the distinction between the Afghan people and Taliban. I understand the problematic situation that Myanmar is in. Why isn't there similar urgency among the Indian establishment regarding the people of Myanmar?
Amiti Sen, Hindu Business Line: Amiti Sen from Hindu Business Line. Sir, during the India-Russia Summit, there was a talk of the economic cooperation programme till 2030. Will we see a further fleshing out of the programme in terms of perhaps, annual targets and programmes to see whether things are working as expected?
Niraj Dubey, Prabhasakshi: Sir Namaskar, main Niraj Dubey Prabha Sakshi se. Sir, is tarah ki reports hain ki Amriki dal vyapar varta ke liye bharat aa raha hain. 10 decemeber se batcheet shuru ho sakti hain. Kya is par kuch aur prakash daal sakte hain?
Sath hi ismein ek prashna aur bhi hain sir aapki anumati se karna chahunga, ki videsh mantri S. Jaishankar ji ne shaniwar ko ek media ke karyakram mein Pakistani sena par jo tippani ki thi us par jawab dete hue Pakistan ne bhartiya videsh mantri ki tippani ko bhadkau bataya hain. Ispar kuch kehna chahenge?
[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, Namaskar. I am Niraj Dubey from Prabha Sakshi. Sir, there are reports that the American delegation is coming to India for trade talks, which may start from 10th December. Could you shed some more light on this?
Additionally, another question, with your permission. On Saturday, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar made a comment on the Pakistani military during a media program. In response, Pakistan described the Indian External Affiars Minister’s remark as provocative. Would you like to comment on this?
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay, so Kallol, first coming to your question. We have warm ties with Myanmar. When the last earthquake had happened in the country, we were one of the first responders. We sent in a large team to provide relief to people. We also provided humanitarian assistance, medical support. We had set up a temporary hospital there. Subsequent to that, we continue to offer whatever help that we can, so that people's lives can come back to normal. We have development cooperation assistance with Myanmar, which is an important part of our collaboration. And, I am sure as part of that, we are looking into various aspects of the issues that you raised.
Amiti, on India-Russia economic cooperation, it was one of the focus, objective, and agenda of the Annual Summit. Both sides are keen to strengthen economic partnership through diversification of trade, through more investments. And in pursuit of this agenda, several MOUs, of which we have provided you the list and details, have been adopted. All these elements will go into giving strength, and laying out the contours of the 2030 economic partnership that we have talked about.
Niraj, America se ek vyapar dal jo unke yahan ke jo deputy trade representative hain, US Trade Representative, Ambassador Rick Switzer, ye Delhi aayenge 10 aur 11 tarikh ko. Inki yahan ye yatra jo hain ek tarah se familiarization visit hain. Aur sath hi sath jo aala officer hain Bharat sarkar mei inse milenge. Jaisa ki aapko gyat hain, donon deshon ke beech mei engagement chal raha hain ki bilateral trade agreement jo hain usko conclude kiya jaye aur usko aage le jaya jaye.
[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Niraj, the Deputy U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Rick Switzer, will visit Delhi on the 10th and 11th. This visit is essentially a familiarization visit, and senior officials from the Indian government will also meet them. As you are aware, engagement between the two countries is ongoing to conclude the bilateral trade agreement and to take it forward.
So, the new Deputy US Trade Representative, Ambassador Rick Switzer, will be visiting India on 10th and 11th of December. This visit is a familiarization visit, as also to meet with senior officials in the Government of India. As you are aware, both governments remain engaged with a view to concluding a fair, balanced, and mutually beneficial multi-sectoral bilateral trade agreement.
Shaniwar wali baat jo aapne kahin videsh mantri ki tippani par udhar se tippani hua toh videsh mantri ne apni jo baat kahi hain, mere khayal se uspe bhi prakash daliye. Hamari taraf se jo kaha gaya hain, wahin par main kahunga ki… Jo unhone kaha hain usse jyada main kehna nahi chahta hoon, aur videsh mantri ne keh diya hain, apne-aap mei woh shodh vakya hain.
[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Regarding the remarks on Saturday … EAM had replied, when a comment was made in response to the EAM’s remark. I would like to shed light on what the EAM himself said. From our side, I will stick to what has already been stated. I do not wish to add anything beyond that. EAM has made his statement, and in itself, it is a complete and sufficient response.
Thank you very much. We come to the close of this press briefing.
New Delhi
December 08, 2025