SPOKESPERSON RANDHIR JAISWAL
Vikram Misri takes charge as new foreign secretary
Vikram Misri, an expert on China and a 1989-batch Indian Foreign Service officer, became India's new foreign secretary on Monday, succeeding Vinay Kwatra. Misri previously served as deputy national security advisor and India's ambassador to China. He has also been private secretary to three prime ministers.
PM Modi pays tribute at 'Tomb of the Unknown Soldier' in Russia
The 'Tomb of the Unknown Soldier' is a war memorial located at the Kremlin Wall, in Moscow. It features a dark red porphyry monument adorned with a bronze sculpture of a laurel branch and a soldier's helmet placed upon a banner.
India rejects 'deeply biased' US report on religious freedom
The US State Department's 'Religious Freedom Report 2023' released by Secretary of State Anthony Blinken on Wednesday noted violent attacks on minority groups, especially Muslims and Christians, including killings, assaults and vandalism of houses of worship.
We oppose unilateral actions to change status quo by force: India on fresh tensions in South China Sea
US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan spoke to his Filipino counterpart Eduardo M Ano this week following the fresh tensions in the South China Sea. Sullivan and Ano discussed shared concerns over China's "dangerous and escalatory actions against the Philippines' lawful maritime operations near Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea, a White House readout said.
Embassy in constant touch with Indian nationals in Lebanon, advisory issued for abundant precaution: MEA
Lebanon shares border with Israel in south. The MEA said there is an "evolving situation" in Lebanon. The Indian Embassy had on Thursday shared an advisory in a post on X, saying it is an "advisory for Indian nationals in Lebanon".
MEA rejects US report on religious freedom as 'deeply biased, motivated by votebank considerations'
MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal addressed the media, stating, "We have noted the release of the US State Department’s report on international religious freedom for 2023. As in the past, the report is deeply biased, lacks an understanding of India's social fabric, and is visibly driven by vote bank considerations and a prescriptive outlook. We, therefore, reject it."
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Dalai Lama free to hold spiritual activities: India
"I would like to reiterate India's position on His Holiness Dalai Lama. He is a revered religious leader and is deeply respected by the people of India. His Holiness is accorded due courtesies and freedom to conduct his religious and spiritual activities," stated Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
India in touch with family of Nikhil Gupta, Indian suspect in Sikh murder plot in US
Nikhil Gupta, extradited to the United States this month after his arrest in Prague last year, has been accused by U.S. federal prosecutors of unsuccessfully plotting with an Indian official to kill Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a U.S. citizen. Gupta, 52, pleaded not guilty on Monday to murder-for-hire conspiracy charges in a court in Manhattan and a source close to his family told Reuters on Thursday that it wanted New Delhi's help to "get justice".
G7 Summit: Italy PM Meloni welcomes PM Modi as India participates as an 'Outreach nation'
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Italy's Apulia to attend the G7 Outreach Summit, where he was welcomed by Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. During the summit, PM Modi met with President Emmanuel Macron of France, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of the United Kingdom, and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine. This visit marks PM Modi's first state visit in his third consecutive term, highlighting the importance of India's strategic partnerships and cooperation in regions like the Indo-Pacific and the Mediterranean. The G7 summit is being held in Italy's Apulia region from June 13-15.
Heartbreaking loss of civilian lives: India on Israeli airstrike in Rafah
India expressed deep concern over civilian casualties in an Israeli strike in Gaza's Rafah city, calling for respect for international humanitarian law. The strike, which killed 45 people, mostly sheltering in tents, sparked global outrage. India reiterated its support for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict and noted Israel's acceptance of responsibility for the incident, pledging an investigation. India recognized Palestine in the 1980s and continues to advocate for de-escalation and peace negotiations.
Situation in Bishkek normal, Indian embassy remains ready to assist students: MEA
In Bishkek, violent clashes had broken out among student groups, with reports indicating the use of batons by attackers on May 18. International students had been wounded after attackers forcibly entered hostel rooms.
"If they are considering FTA with India, we will surely look into it": MEA denies any FTA proposal with Maldives
India on Thursday said it has not made any proposal to the Maldives for a bilateral free trade agreement (DTA) and that it was ready to consider if the island nation expresses interest for such a pact. "No specific proposal for a bilateral FTA with the Maldives has been made by the Government of India," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.
Canada yet to share specific evidence, information on Nijjar killing case: India
India has accused Canada of providing a safe haven and political space to criminal and secessionist elements, following the arrest of three Indian nationals in connection with the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, stated that no specific evidence or information has been shared by Canadian authorities. India has also pointed out that figures associated with organised crime with links to India have been allowed entry and residency in Canada.
India blasts USCIRF, describes it as biased entity with political agenda
India criticizes USCIRF for biased propaganda in its annual report. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal condemns USCIRF's interference in India's affairs and its criticism on various issues.
As situation in the Middle-East worsens, Israeli envoy assures safety of Indian workers
Addressing concerns about the safety and security of the Indian workers, Gilon underlined that Israel is doing its maximum to protect everyone in Israel and that the workers are no different from other Israeli citizens. "The workers are no different than other Israelis. As you saw last night, there was a huge effort by Israel, and we were able to protect our civilians, which we will do in the future. Since we treat Indian workers as part of the Israeli population, they will be as safe as the Israeli population. We are doing maximum to protect everyone in Israel", said Ambassador Gilon here on Sunday.
Open to ideas that can achieve peace in Ukraine: India on Switzerland's plan to host peace summit
Two days after the Swiss government announced plans to host a high-level summit on Ukraine, India on Friday said it remains open to all ideas that could help achieve early restoration of peace in that country. External affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India has been consistently pressing for resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict through diplomacy and dialogue.
Positive development: India on move to return private land to Hindu, Sikh minorities in Afghanistan
India welcomed the Taliban regime's decision to restore private land rights to Afghan Hindus and Sikh minorities, describing it as a positive development. The Taliban administration reportedly established a commission to return seized private land to its rightful owners, which were taken by warlords during the previous regime in Kabul.
"Reasons are multicausal": MEA on deaths of Indian students in US, says two cases are currently under investigation
The MEA spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal while addressing the weekly press briefing on Friday, highlighted the unfortunate deaths of Indian students in the US.
India relocates staff in Sittwe consulate to Yangon in view of precarious security situation
India relocated consulate staff from Sittwe to Yangon due to security concerns in Myanmar. External Affairs Ministry monitors Myanmar's safety, especially in Rakhine State. CGI Sittwe staff relocated temporarily to Yangon.
Arunachal Pradesh India’s Inalienable and Integral Part: CM Pema Khandu
Khandu posted on X: “Another gimmick from China. Being a proud citizen of Bharat and a native of Arunachal Pradesh, I strongly condemn this act of naming places within Arunachal Pradesh which has been an inalienable integral part of India. Proud citizens and patriots of Arunachal Pradesh are rejecting such antics.”
"We firmly reject such attempts": India clarifies stance on renaming of places in Arunachal Pradesh by China
The Ministry of External Affairs' (MEA) official spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, reiterated India's position on China's attempts to rename places in Arunachal Pradesh. Jaiswal labeled the actions as senseless and emphasized India's rejection of such efforts.
Over 250 Indian nationals lured to Cambodia for illegal cyber work, rescued and repatriated: MEA
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has rescued and repatriated about 250 Indian nationals from Cambodia, 75 of whom were rescued in the last three months. The Indians were lured with employment opportunities but forced to undertake illegal cyber work. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that they are collaborating closely with Cambodian authorities and have issued advisories to Indians about such scams. MEA remains committed to helping Indian nationals in Cambodia and is working to crackdown on those responsible for these fraudulent schemes.
'Inaccurate reports': MEA disputes reports of Indian nationals seeking discharge from Russian army
The Indian government is actively pursuing the discharge of Indians in the Russian army amidst reports of job fraud. Cases of Indians being forced to join a "Russian private army" and stranded in the war zone are being investigated. Officials are seeking details of affected youth, like Md Sufiyan, who was promised non-combat roles but was sent to fight Ukrainian forces. The Ministry of External Affairs has assured its commitment to resolving the issue promptly.
"Pakistan will reap what it sows": India refutes Pakistan foreign ministry's assassinations claim
In response to media queries regarding remarks made by Pakistan Foreign Ministry, the official Spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal said, "We have seen media reports regarding certain remarks by Pakistan Foreign Secretary. It is Pakistan’s latest attempt at peddling false and malicious anti-India propaganda."
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