- 2 days ago
New Delhi, July 17, 2025 (ANI)Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) addressed several pressing global and national issues, including the delay in the execution of Nimisha Priya in Yemen, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar’s visit to China for the upcoming SCO summit, and India’s stance on NATO sanction threats.
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00:00Let's begin our conversation. The floor is open now. Too many hands. We'll start there. Prashant.
00:16Sir and Prashant from Asianet News. Can you give more details on this Nimrishapriyash case in Yemen? How the sentence was deferred?
00:28There is a report that a cleric from Kerala named Sri Kanthapitam Musiliya had a big role in this to play. So what is the reaction of me on this?
00:41Ayushi.
00:46Sir, this is Ayushi Rual from ANI. I would like to have a comment on the recent statement made by NATO chief saying that countries buying Russian oil and gas could face the Kennedy sanctions and where he named India too.
00:58We have seen similar comments coming from U.S. Senators also where they have said that countries could face economic sanctions if they continue trading with India. What is India's position on those comments?
01:08So good afternoon. Keshav from The Plain. My first question is on Afghanistan. We've been giving medical visas to Afghan nationals. It's been about two months. Can you give us some details on how many visas have been issued to Afghan citizens?
01:25Some details on this. And attentive to the question is also on Bangladesh. Could you give us a sense of the medical visa situation and the numbers of Bangladeshi citizens we've been giving medical visas in the last couple of months? Thank you, sir.
01:40So last month we also heard from Russian Foreign Minister Sargi Lavrov talk about RIT and Russia has been pushing to restart the Russia and China trilateral mechanism. Any chances of its revival and what is the current status?
02:00Yes, yes. Good afternoon. My question is also on this trilateral dialogue RIT. What is India's position on this trilateral format?
02:19And half a minute during his engagement in Beijing, the latest one, discussed the resumption of this trilateral dialogue. And if you allow me a quick question, I think a lot of colleagues interested to get the answer on it.
02:41When can we expect Russian-Indian summit? Like for now, I know, you know, you may say like we let you know in due time, but approximately like in what quarter of the year, like half of the year already done, like water, the last quarter please. Thank you.
03:03Thank you. So, let me take these questions and then we come back to them. First on Nimisha Priya case, you all have been following this very closely. This is a very sensitive matter and the government of India has been offering all possible assistance in the case.
03:24We have provided legal assistance and also appointed a lawyer to assist the family. We have also arranged for regular consular visits by a family and we are also in touch with local authorities as also the family members to resolve this issue.
03:48This included concerted efforts in the last in recent few days to seek more time for the family of Miss Nimisha Priya to reach a mutually agreeable solution with the other party.
04:03The local authorities in Yemen have postponed carrying out her sentence that was scheduled for 16th July that you are well aware of. We continue to closely follow the matter and render all possible assistance in the case. We are also in touch with some friendly governments in this regard.
04:26The other part of your question was as far as the role of the entity that you mentioned, I have no information to share on this account.
04:37I see your question regarding NATO chiefs articulation. We have seen reports on the subject and are closely following the developments. Let me reiterate and I have said this in the past as well.
04:55Securing energy needs of our people is understandably an overriding priority for us. In this endeavor we are guided by what is there on offer in the markets as also by the prevailing global circumstances. We would particularly caution against any double standards on the matter.
05:23So, Keshav on visas for Afghanistan, I think beginning April we started a new visa module. There are 6 categories of visas now which people can apply for. Those details are available on the website. As far as how many visas that we issued so far, I don't have the exact number but I will be happy to share with you next time when we meet.
05:48Similarly, with Bangladesh. Similarly, with Bangladesh, you know, we have been issuing visas to Bangladesh for various reasons, for various travels, medical emergency included students and so on and so forth. We are issuing substantial visas. Exact number on that I will have to come back to you.
06:13Jessica on RIC and Elena your question also on Russia, India, China format. Look, this is this format, this consultative format is a mechanism where the three countries come and discuss global issues and regional issues of interest to them. As to when this particular RIC format meeting is going to be held, it is something that will be worked out.
06:38It is something that will be worked out among the three countries in a mutually convenient manner and we will let you know if, you know, as and when that happens at an appropriate time when the meeting is to take place.
06:53Alena, your question regarding India, India, Russia summit is important. Last annual summit was held in Moscow. It is time for us to host the summit in Delhi and the dates will be worked out between both sides in keeping in mind what is mutually convenient to both countries.
07:12Can we go ahead? Siddharad?
07:19Hi, sir. Siddharad from Vyond. Sir, we saw the EM's visit to China. Now, it is only two parts, one on the rare earth issue. Is there a resolution inside? The second of course, will the Prime Minister travel to China for the SEO summit?
07:33to China for the SCO summit?
07:42Bishop
07:44Good evening sir Bishop from Time Sound
07:46Sir, yesterday in Bangladesh
07:48in Gopal Guns there was violence
07:51and one could see in the visuals
07:53that how the Bangladeshi army and police forces
07:55opened fire on the supporters of Awami League
07:58Awami League say that it was because
08:01Bangabandhu was being abused by the
08:03citizens party members
08:05so any take on that
08:07given that there has been a statement that has come in from
08:09Sheikh Hasina as well
08:11Also sir, another
08:13after your statement on the
08:15Satajitre residential house
08:17now Bangladeshi has taken a U-turn saying that
08:19that building never belonged to Satajitre in Samir
08:21Ok, Ayang Shah
08:25Sir, it's been about a year
08:27I mean next month
08:29it's going to be anniversary of the first interim government in Bangladesh
08:33so what is the update on our HICTPs
08:35our High Impact Developing Program there
08:37and secondly
08:39Sir, Prime Minister recently held a
08:41main visit in Namibia
08:43and there is a discussion on
08:45diamond trading, direct diamond trading
08:47which conventionally
08:49happening via either London or Dubai
08:51so is there any update as well
08:53Ok
08:55Hello sir, I'm Ashwin Amat from Free Press
09:01So I have very few quick questions
09:03President Trump has added to this
09:07where he talked about 100% secondary tariffs
09:11at the White House briefing
09:13So I wanted to know
09:15and he has also talked about
09:17the fact that you know
09:19we are going to have
09:21is there any discussion
09:23discussions with India going on
09:25on this front
09:27and also he has talked about
09:29a deal, a trade deal
09:31that is happening with India
09:33So can you give us any details on that
09:35is there a US delegation coming
09:37Thank you
09:39Huma
09:41Sir, I'm Huma Tiddiqui from Stat News Global
09:47I have two questions
09:49One is there have been reports
09:51that a lot of Indians
09:53have been deported since
09:55in the last 2-3 weeks
09:57so would you have any number on the
09:59reportees and
10:01Deportees from where?
10:03From the US
10:05Okay, Siddharth, regarding your question
10:15first on Rairag
10:17you see we had a meeting
10:19of our external affairs minister
10:21with the foreign minister of China
10:23post that we have issued
10:25a press release
10:27the press release also talks about
10:29several of the issues that you mentioned
10:31just want to let you know
10:33the concerns of Indian industry are a matter of publication
10:35on the public report
10:37you would have seen the press release
10:39issued by Ministry of External Affairs
10:41post the meeting
10:43I have nothing further to add
10:45at this point in time
10:47on the question that you asked
10:49on the visit of
10:51on the SEO leaders level meeting
10:53the SEO meeting is some
10:55months away
10:57so you know these are
10:59participation by countries are finalized
11:01and we will let you know
11:03at the appropriate time
11:05Rishabh on
11:07your question regarding Gopal Gaj
11:09see we follow all
11:11developments in our region closely
11:13and
11:15take cognizance of what's happening there
11:17and accordingly we
11:19and accordingly we
11:21we take action if required on our side
11:23regarding Satajit Ray's building
11:25yes we have seen a press release issued by
11:27the Bangladesh foreign industry
11:29on Bangladesh
11:33you know our position
11:35we want a positive and constructive partnership with the country
11:37we have had engagements
11:39at the leaders level
11:41we have also had a foreign secretary visiting Bangladesh
11:43we have had meetings between our external affairs minister and his counterpart
11:45and you know there are several areas
11:49of cooperation between the two countries that are ongoing
11:51including development partnership
11:53so that is the context in which you must look at
11:55how we want to approach it
11:57you know our position
11:59you know our position
12:01we want a positive and constructive partnership with the country
12:03we have had engagements at the leaders level
12:05look at how we want to approach
12:07India-Banda-Adish ties
12:09on Namibia
12:11Namibia is an important trading partner
12:13as far as diamond is concerned
12:15for India
12:17we have
12:19several diamond companies
12:21who are active in Namibia
12:23and we have been exporting from there
12:25I mean diamonds are being exported from Namibia to India
12:29we are active
12:31we are also active in several other parts
12:33of the mining industry
12:35in Namibia
12:37hopefully in the days to come
12:39we will do more with Namibia
12:41on this account
12:43as far as direct trade
12:45I am not too sure
12:47you know these
12:49in today's global environment
12:51global trade flows are very complex
12:53because of supply chains
12:55and the kind of value that is added
12:57in different ways
12:59some of it must be happening directly
13:01some of it
13:03via other stations
13:05Ashwin your question regarding trade
13:09see
13:11this is a
13:13matter which is under discussion between the two sides
13:15and as well
13:17when we have something to share
13:19something is finalized
13:21you can go ahead
13:23can you go ahead
13:25oh sorry
13:27Huma
13:29Huma
13:31see
13:32since 20th of January this year
13:35till yesterday
13:37we have
13:39some 1563 Indian nationals
13:43have been deported from the United States so far
13:45most of these Indian nationals have come
13:49via commercial flights
13:51so that is the update
13:53and we
13:55as and when
13:57we receive list of people
13:59who are to be deported
14:01we confirm their nationality
14:03and once only where their nationality is confirmed
14:05as you know
14:07then we
14:09we do the recommendation part
14:11and thereafter they are sent back
14:13to the United States
14:15but yes
14:17people have been coming in
14:19in batches
14:21in commercial flights
14:23the last week also
14:25we had people who came back
14:27overall number is 1563 so far
14:29so in the last six months
14:31you can say that 1563 people have come back
14:33on India Africa summit
14:35we don't have a date as yet
14:37we are in discussion with the African Union Commission
14:39so hopefully
14:41as and when we have concrete
14:43proposal
14:45or concrete suggestion from their side
14:47which is mutually agreeable
14:49we will let you know
14:51Ajay
14:53thank you
14:55sir good evening I'm Ajay Bananjee
14:57with the Tribune
14:59sir I seek a clarification from you
15:00President Donald Trump
15:01yesterday said that India
15:03is about to give access to us
15:05like us I mean the US
15:07like Indonesia gave access to the US
15:09to its markets
15:11I am referring to the trade deal
15:13Trump's words with regards to the trade deal
15:15and also Trump's words with
15:17regarding to imposition of additional tariffs
15:19on Russian oil
15:21will they impact the Indian US trade talks
15:23especially the Russian oil with 100% tariffs
15:25we may have to back up from buying Russian oil
15:27are we foreseeing that scenario
15:29Hello
15:31Hello
15:33from the Hindus
15:37sir when you refer to the local authorities
15:39in the Nimisha Priya case
15:41who do you refer to
15:43are you referring to the Houthis
15:45and does it mean that India is in contact
15:47and dialogue with the Houthis
15:49and is there a change in India's policy towards the Houthis
15:51I know you responded on the NATO chief's comments
16:01but this is about the fact
16:03that the US Congress seems to be going ahead
16:05with its 500% sanctions
16:07it was called the Russia Sanctions Act
16:09this despite the fact
16:11that the external affairs minister was in Washington
16:13he said
16:15India's concerns have been conveyed to the United States
16:19Lindsey Graham in particular
16:21what is this really
16:23is India going to take this up further
16:25on a diplomatic level
16:27some kind of protest
16:29that the US continues with this sanctions bill
16:31despite the concerns we've expressed
16:33and also I think for the 20th time
16:35Mr. Trump has repeated his statement
16:37about the ceasefire
16:39and also on mediating
16:41on the basis of trade
16:43to avert a nuclear war
16:45is there any hope
16:47that his comments can be amended
16:51in any way?
16:53Shivam
16:55Thank you sir
16:57this is Shivam Patel from Reuters News
16:59I have a query on India-China ties
17:03it's more of a general sort of
17:05I just wanted to seek your view
17:07in the sense that
17:09Foreign Minister Jayashankar was there recently
17:11and we've seen some developments
17:15over the last couple of weeks
17:17from the Chinese Embassy spokesperson
17:19who labelled
17:21the Tibet issue
17:23as a thorn between India
17:25and China
17:27and also the Deputy Chief
17:29of the Indian Army saying that
17:31China provided life support to Pakistan
17:33during the NA conflict
17:35when Foreign Minister went to China
17:39did he sort of discuss
17:41did these issues
17:43come up in discussions at all
17:45and in light of these
17:47sort of developments
17:49how do we sort of
17:51what is the trajectory that we're taking
17:53with China?
17:55Thank you
17:57Okay
17:59Somebody hands today
18:01Please
18:03Just a follow up question
18:05on India-China relations
18:07you mentioned about
18:09the issue of trade laws and other trade issues
18:11could you delve a bit more deeper
18:13into the specifics of the conversation
18:15between the Indian and Chinese side
18:17on the export controls
18:19that have been brought in by China
18:21on not just rare earths but on specialty fertilizers
18:23and now there's this Foxconn labor issue
18:25that's most spending
18:27and secondly sir your comments
18:29on Donald Trump stating that a deal with India is coming soon
18:31in light of the extension that's been given by the United States
18:33which trading partners
18:35until August 1
18:37are we looking at any specific timeline
18:39Okay
18:41so
18:43Ajay on BTA
18:47and I'm also clubbing everybody else
18:49who have asked question on BTA
18:51see these are
18:53negotiations which are on
18:55both sides are in touch with each other
18:57they are trying to iron out issues
18:59so you will once we have a conclusion
19:01of the agreement
19:03we will obviously make it public
19:05for all of you
19:07on the question of you know
19:09Russian oil etc. we are closely following
19:11developments that are in this regard
19:13and the articulations that are being made
19:15Kalol your question regarding local authorities
19:19well local authorities is that part of
19:21that part of the country
19:23what I mean is local authorities
19:25Swasti I have already answered your question on NATO chief
19:33US
19:35we are closely following all these developments
19:39that is how I would answer your question
19:41on the cease fire
19:43we have made our position very clear
19:45on several occasions
19:47Shivam on India China talks
19:49we have had a detailed press release
19:51I would refer you to please look at the press release
19:53we talk about several issues
19:55there connectivity
19:57people to build ties
19:59we also talked about the trajectory that you mentioned
20:01we talked about the positive trajectory
20:03and that you know
20:05the two sides took note of the recent progress
20:09made to stabilize and rebuild ties
20:11so once again I will you know
20:13all the issues that you want to know
20:15are detailed well detailed in the in the press release
20:17I would refer you to that
20:21Subita again you know
20:23India China issues including trade issues
20:25they have mentioned in the press release
20:27and I also while asking
20:29answering Siddhar's question
20:31I made it clear that
20:33I would like to repeat it again
20:35for your clarity
20:37the concerns of Indian industry
20:51are a matter of public record
20:53you would have seen the press release issued by VA
20:55after the meeting
20:57and I have nothing further to add
20:59I will add
21:01to it at this point in time
21:05okay
21:11I am Orin Bhuya from
21:13Orin Bhuya from ETD Bharat
21:15Myanmar and Russia
21:17are discussing
21:19a new economic corridor
21:21via India
21:23the idea is to connect Russia
21:25with Yangon Port
21:27via Mumbai Port
21:29this came up during a meeting
21:31between Myanmar Transport Minister
21:33Miatu Noh
21:35and Alexander Satrov
21:37head of the Ross Congress Investment Fund
21:39what is India's position on this?
21:43okay
21:45Neeraj
21:47Sir Neerajhu New Jet
21:49in India says
21:51Uthawas has made an advisory
21:53which has written
21:55that the visa can be cancelled
21:57and cancelled
21:59or cannot be cancelled
22:01this advisory
22:03has made an advisory
22:05which has been put in America
22:07in the image of the visa
22:09how do you see it?
22:11okay
22:13Sudarkar
22:17Shandrakal is this side from the Republic TV
22:19I just wanted to have your comment
22:21regarding the arrest of
22:23Indian national in the US
22:25as far as
22:27child porn in the US is concerned
22:29and this has triggered
22:31in Punjab basically
22:33just wanted to have your comment on this
22:34how do you see this?
22:35okay
22:37okay
22:39Alexander
22:41I'm with the Russian Press
22:4310 days ago
22:45we had a very successful BRICS summit
22:47in Brazil
22:49and we have all seen very impressive
22:51Prime Minister Modi's participation in the summit
22:53but we have also heard
22:55in conjunction with this summit
22:57some threats coming from the White House
22:59specifically about imposing
23:0110% tariff against BRICS countries
23:03I was wondering what
23:05is your position on this
23:07does India
23:09have any position on this particular threats
23:11thank you
23:13known
23:14thank we
23:15Thank you
23:18thank you
23:28Thank you
23:30I am
23:31the plan
23:32what is your dimming
23:34from ETB Bharat, see as far as regional cooperation is concerned, we do give lot of value and importance
23:44to connectivity, connectivity issues and connectivity projects, so that is how I look at, we will
23:49look at all such proposals, it is also important to see the feasibility of it, but largely
23:57we support connectivity, Neeraj, see, no one has a member in any country, whether it is
24:05from the outside, it is a responsibility for that to become the law of the government.
24:11So, what was your question, I will say that whoever we go out, we always keep the support
24:18from those countries, so that you can be better and become the good of your country.
24:27Again, Indian national arrest, these are matters of law and order, local authorities will look
24:37into it, but yes, it would be our endeavour to tell our Indian nationals who are going
24:43abroad that they should abide by local law and local guidelines, local laws and local
24:52regulations.
24:53Alexander, on the BRICS summit, we had a highly successful BRICS summit, you would have seen
24:58the joint statement.
25:01In the joint statement, several aspects which have been fleshed out, which strengthen the
25:06BLICS platform, but having said that, let me tell you that dedoleration is not something
25:12which is on the agenda and we, you know, cross border permits, yes, BRICS have talked about
25:18local currencies, but dedoleration is not something that is there on the agenda.
25:23So, let me tell you, let me tell you about London, London, Yatra, you know, the knowledge
25:29of the Upti Uptamate, you will tell me about London.
25:30One last round.
25:31One last round sir. Megha from Newsax. My first question about the Syria conflict and the airstrikes by Israel. Russia and China have condemned the Israeli strikes. What is India's official stance?
25:51And there are a couple of reports that have been released a few hours ago by Wall Street Journal and Reuters. This is about the air India crash flow. Now the basis of their reports and conclusions that they have drawn is that it was human error. It was the captain of the aircraft that was responsible for the crash. And they seem to be very flimsy reasoning that they are given. Is there a response that the government of India is going to make?
26:21Okay, Vishal.
26:22Sir, Vishal Pande, from ABP News. Is there a response that the government of India has sent its independence to India? And what is the response of the government of India?
26:36What is the response of the government?
26:38What is the response from the government?
26:42Sir, this is the response from the government.
26:45Hello.
26:50Hello.
26:51Sir.
26:52This is Dorsan Lahiri.
26:53This is about Bangladesh election.
26:54As India has been reiterating there should be a credible and democratic, peaceful, all-inclusive elections. Now the chief executive of the Bangladesh and one major political party comes to an agreement. Elections should be held early February or early next year. So what is the comment do you think that it is a good sign for a Bangladesh democracy?
27:21So thank you for the comments as well.
27:22Thank you for that.
27:23This is Radhavi Drawarma from German Television ZDF.
27:24Sir, the question is regarding India-EU FTA pre-trade agreement. And in light of the NATO chiefs' comment, so many of the NATO countries are EU members and is the new comment is of any significance to the EU-India Trade trade?
27:33comment so many of the NATO countries are EU members and is the new comment is of any
27:41significance to the EU-India trade? Do you see that going ahead as we have first length
27:48by the end of this year?
27:50Okay. Maras.
27:53This is Maras from PTI. So recently a delegation of Canadian officials including the junior
28:01minister had visited India and held talks with officials in the MEA. So this was the first visit
28:08I think publicly acknowledged the visit after Prime Minister's visit to Canada. So can you just draw some light?
28:14And in responding to our questions about Nabi Sabriya, you also mentioned that India is in touch with
28:19sort of friendly countries. So would you like to name the countries with whom we are in touch? Thanks.
28:24Okay.
28:25Last question. Sidhanth.
28:29Thank you sir. I am Sidhanth from CNN News 18. Sir, last we were told that there are 16 Indians missing in Russia. And we had two bilateral meetings with Russia. One on the sidelines of BRICS and one during the SCO Foreign Minister's meeting. Did we raise that issue? Any update on that? Thank you.
28:48So, Megha first to your question. We are closely following developments in Russia, sorry in Syria. As far as we are concerned, we want peace and stability to return to the country as soon as possible. On Air India Crash, you will have to wait for the concerned Government of India Authority to make the report public. It is too premature for all of us to talk about what's in it, what's not in it. So, we will have to wait for the final report to come out.
29:15Vishal.
29:16Vishal.
29:17Vishal.
29:18We had a question from Gautam. Look on elections in Bangladesh. You know our point of view. We said that as a democracy would welcome holding of elections. That is democratic, sorry. That is democratic, sorry. That is democratic, sorry. That is democratic, sorry. That is democratic, sorry. That is democratic. That is democratic.
29:22And includes everybody in its fold.
29:23Vishal.
29:24Vishal.
29:25Vishal.
29:26Vishal.
29:27Vishal.
29:28Vishal.
29:29Vishal.
29:30Vishal.
29:31Vishal.
29:32Vishal.
29:33Vishal.
29:34Vishal.
29:35Thank you in India.
29:36Varj Nexusam.
29:37in Bangladesh, you know our point of view. We said that as a democracy would welcome
29:42holding of elections, that is democratic, sorry, that is inclusive and includes everybody in its fold.
29:50Raghavendra, you know the two questions are not related, but on India, UFTA, what I can tell you is that the talks are progressing very well.
29:58The last round, that is the 12th round, happened in Brussels from 7 to 11 to July.
30:03And the next round of talks are scheduled to be held in September in New Delhi.
30:08As the leaders promised, it was reaffirmed when we had the visit of EU College of Commissioners.
30:15Both leaders, both sides, warned that this FTA be concluded within this year.
30:19So it is progressing well, there is good momentum and that is how and we would like to see a positive outcome of it.
30:26So, Manas on Canadian Officials, we had the meeting at the Prime Ministry level in Kananaskis, where both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the importance of India-Canada ties and to rebuild these ties.
30:42We are working, both sides are now working towards it.
30:45We are also working to get High Commissioners deployed in the two capitals.
30:49So, we are positive about the movement in India-Canada ties.
30:54On, you also had another question regarding friendly countries.
30:59Yes, there are several friendly countries with whom we are in touch with in regard to the Bishop Reactories.
31:04Siddhant, on the 16 missing Indians in Russia, we are in regular touch with Russian authorities, both here in New Delhi as also in Moscow.
31:16And we have been taking up this matter so that there could be a closure to the issue.
31:21With that, ladies and gentlemen, thank you very much for your presence.
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