Transcript of Weekly Media Briefing by the Official Spokesperson (January 09, 2026)

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson:Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. Let's begin our conversation. Today also happens to be a special day, 9th January, Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. So many congratulations to all of you and to all our diaspora members across the world. With that, we open the floor.

Kadambini Sharma, Independent Journalist:Kadambini Sharma, Independent Journalist. Sir, ek bayaan aaya hai America ki taraf se ki bill diya gaya hai jismein 500% tariff ki baat ki ja rahi hai. Usmein saaf taur par Lindsey Graham ne naam liya hai Bharat ka bhi. Us par Videsh Mantralaya ki kya pratikriya hai?

[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi]Kadambini Sharma, Independent Journalist. Sir, a statement has come from the United States that a bill has been introduced in which a 500% tariff is being talked about. In that, Lindsey Graham has explicitly mentioned India by name as well. What is the response of the Ministry of External Affairs on this?

Sidhant:Sir, yesterday at the Pak Foreign Ministry briefing, we saw the reaction or the comment by the Pakistani side on the demolition drive in Delhi, and making remarks on the situation of the minorities. Any reaction by the Indian side?

Aditya Raj Kaul, NDTV:Sir, two quick questions. One on Bangladesh. There are several attacks on minorities that have taken place. Have you reached out to the Bangladesh government? Any reaction on that?

And secondly, Israel has just reacted and said that they are not comfortable with Pakistan Army in the International Stabilization Force in Gaza. How do you react to that?

Jessica, Doordarshan:Hi Sir, this is Jessica for Doordarshan. I have two China related questions. First, how does the MEA see Chinese infrastructure build up via CPEC in POJK as also in the Shaksgam Valley, which is also in Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir?

And the second one, do you have any comments on recent developments including China's military exercise around Taiwan? How do you see this impact regional peace and stability?

Vinayak Dixit, RT India:Good evening sir, Vinayak Dixit from RT India. Sir, as per RT India's own source-based reports, there were three Indians on board the oil tanker seized by the United States on the 7th of January. What more details can you give to us about these individuals and is the government working to get these individuals back or get access to them? Furthermore, how do you react to the seizure?

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson:Okay. So first Kadambini, aapka sawaal.

Jis bill ki aap baat kar rahe hain… jo prastaavit bill hai, uske baare mein humko gyaan hai. Aur in maslon ko aur is bill ko hum log bade dhyaan se … jo bhi unke saath jo gatividhiyan ho rahi hain, us par hum dhyaan apna kendrit kiye hue hain.

Saath hi saath main aapko batana chaahunga ki jahan tak urja sroton ka sawaal hai, usse aap bhali-bhaanti vaakif hain ki hamara kya ravaiya hai, kya hamara approach hai. Is sandarbh mein, jaisa ki aap jaante hain, ki jo hamara approach hota hai, woh vaishvik bazaar mein kya paristhiti hai, kis prakaar ka maahaul hai, usko madd-e-nazar rakhte hue, aur saath hi saath jo hamara apna ek imperative hai ki hamare jo 1.4 arab log hain, unko kis prakaar se saste daam par urja muhaiyya karaayi jaaye.

In dono cheezon ko dekhte hue hum log apne urza sroton ke baare mein, apni strategy aur neeti ko tay karte hain.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi]So first, Kadambini, your question. Regarding the bill you are referring to-the proposed bill-we are aware of it. We are examining these issues and we are closely following the developments and activities taking place in this regard. At the same time, I would like to tell you that as far as energy sources are concerned, you are well aware of what our stance is and what our approach has been. In this context, as you know, our approach takes into account the situation in the global market and the prevailing environment, while also keeping in mind our own imperative of ensuring that our 1.4 billion people are provided energy at affordable prices. We formulate our strategy and policy regarding our energy sources, taking both these factors into consideration.

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson:We are aware of the proposed bill, the bill that she referred to. We are closely following the developments around the bill. Our position on the larger question of energy sourcing is well known to you, and I have spoken about it on several occasions in the past as well. In this endeavour, we are guided by the evolving dynamics in the global market as also the imperative to secure affordable energy for our 1.4 billion people through diverse sources to meet their energy security needs.

Sidhant on your question regarding certain comments that have been made. I mean, I need not elaborate or tell you what is the situation of minorities in that country and those people who make such comments should first look at their own record before commenting on others.

Aditya, on the question of minorities, we had, on several occasions in earlier pressers as well, I have commented on this particular issue that you referred to. We continue to witness a disturbing pattern of recurring attacks on minorities that you referred, as well as their homes and establishments, business establishments by extremists in Bangladesh. Such communal incidents need to be dealt with swiftly and firmly. We have also observed a troubling tendency to attribute such incidents to personal rivalries, personal vendettas, political differences, and other extraneous reasons. Such disregard only emboldens the extremists and the perpetrators of such crimes, and deepens the sense of fear and insecurity among the minorities.

Our position on Gaza peace plan has been clarified earlier. We welcome the Gaza peace plan. As to other aspects of the details etc., we have to … yet to look into it, but Gaza peace plan is something that we welcomed.

Questions from Jessica on the Chinese infrastructure build up via CPEC as also in Shaksgam Valley. Shaksgam Valley is Indian territory. We have never recognized the so-called China-Pakistan boundary agreement that happened in 1963. We have consistently maintained that the agreement is illegal and invalid. We do not recognize the so-called China-Pakistan Economic Corridor either, which passes through Indian territory that is under forcible and illegal occupation of Pakistan. The entire union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are an integral and inalienable part of India. This has been clearly conveyed to Pakistani and the Chinese authorities several times. We have consistently protested with the Chinese side against attempts to alter the ground reality in Shaksgam Valley. We further reserve the right to take necessary measures to safeguard our interests.

On the second question on military exercises, India closely follows developments across the Indo-Pacific region. We have an abiding interest in peace and stability in the region, in view of our significant trade, economic, people to people and maritime interests. We urge all concerned parties to exercise restraint, eschew unilateral actions and resolve all issues through peaceful means without threat or use of force.

Question from RT India. Yes, we have seen reports. In fact, we've seen reports through your channel that three Indians are there in that particular ship. We are ascertaining these details from the authorities concerned.

Parikshit:Sir, could you give us the status of the India-US trade deal in light of the US Commerce Secretary's latest statement, where he has gone on to say that the trade deal that was negotiated/agreed upon with India earlier does not exist on paper anymore? And he said the deal did not happen because the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, did not call President Trump.

And also, when it comes to Russian oil, in light of developments taking place in the US and the Lindsey Graham bill, is the Ministry of External Affairs, is the government giving any sort of advisory or policy on what's going to be our stand on buying Russian oil for the future?

Ajay Banerjee:Good evening, sir. Ajay Banerjee. Sir, I seek a further clarification on what Parikshit, my friend, has just asked. Sir, in the past one week, President Trump has said many things with regards to relations with India. He even said that Prime Minister Modi said that, "Sir, I seek time from you." I, as a reporter, seek a clarification: did Prime Minister Modi say "Sir" to Donald Trump or he said "Excellency"?

Yeshi Seli, Business India:This is Yeshi Seli from Business India. India also buys oil from Venezuela, just 2% of it. Is the current instability in Venezuela and the US, you know, saying that they are going to take interim control of Venezuela, going to impact that? And secondly, about the eighth Indian veteran, you had said that you will get back and tell us what are the charges under which he is arrested right now?

Ayushi Agarwal, ANI:Sir, this is Ayushi Agarwal from ANI. Two questions. One, has there been any kind of engagement directly with the United States administration following the comments that we have been seeing?

And second question is regarding the visit of German Chancellor to India. Will the issue of Ariha Shah, the Indian child who has been in German foster care, will come up during the discussion between Prime Minister Modi and German Chancellor?

Huma Siddiqui, StratNews:Sir, I am Huma Siddiqui and I have two questions. I am from StratNews Global. One, how does India look at the situation in the LAC region? And how many Indians are there in Venezuela, Cuba, and Colombia? If you have any numbers, please do share.

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson:Indians, you said?

Huma Siddiqui, StratNews:Yes, Sir. And in case there is a need, would they be repatriated?

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson:Okay. So first, Parikshit, coming to your question. We have seen the remarks. India and the United States were committed to negotiating a bilateral trade agreement with the US as far back as 13th of February last year. Since then, two sides have held multiple rounds of negotiations to arrive at a balanced and mutually beneficial trade agreement. On several occasions, we have been close to a deal. The characterization of these discussions in the reported remarks is not accurate. We remain interested in a mutually beneficial trade deal between two complementary economies and look forward to concluding it. Incidentally, Prime Minister and President Trump have also spoken on phone on eight occasions during 2025, covering different aspects of our wide-ranging partnership.

Humne in tippaniyon ko dekha hai. Bharat aur America pichhle saal 13 February se hi ek dwipakshiya vyaapaar samjhaute par baatcheet karne ke liye pratibaddh the. Tab se dono pakshon ne ek santulit aur paraspar roop se laabhkaari vyaapaarik samjhaute par pahunchne ke liye kai daur ki baatcheet ki hai. Kai maukon par hum samjhaute ke bahut kareeb pahunche hain. Report ki gayi tippaniyon mein in charchaon ka jo vivaran diya gaya hai, woh theek nahi hai. Hum do poorak arthvyavasthaon ke beech paraspar roop se laabhkaari vyaapaar samjhaute mein ruchi rakhte hain aur ise sampann karne ki aasha karte hain. Sanyog se, hamare Pradhanmantri aur Rashtrapati Trump ke beech 2025 ke dauran 8 baar phone par baatcheet hui hai, jismein hamari vyaapak saajhedaari ke vibhinn pehluon par dono netaon ne charcha ki hai.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi]We have taken note of these remarks. India and the United States have been committed to engaging in discussions on a bilateral trade agreement since 13 February last year. Since then, both sides have held several rounds of talks to arrive at a balanced and mutually beneficial trade agreement. On several occasions, we have come very close to reaching an agreement. The description of these discussions as reflected in the reported remarks is not accurate. We are interested in a mutually beneficial trade agreement between two complementary economies and hope to conclude it. Coincidentally, our Prime Minister and President Trump have spoken over the phone eight times during 2025, during which both leaders discussed various aspects of our comprehensive partnership.

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson:Ajay, on your question regarding how leaders addressed each other. Let me say that Prime Minister and President Trump, they have a friendly relationship and have always addressed each other with mutual respect as per diplomatic norms.

Yeshi, on your question on our energy sourcing, I just told you what is our broad approach to it. It is dependent on the evolving dynamics in the global market as also the imperative for us to provide energy at affordable rates to our 1.4 billion people so that their energy security needs are met. So, this will be a factor in the way we engage the global market on energy sources.

Update on Commander Purnendu Tiwari. He was arrested last month in a case that has been going on in Qatar for quite some time now. As per our information, apart from him, there are several others who have been arrested as well, but they are not Indian nationals, they are of other nationalities. Our Embassy is in touch with Commander Tiwari and his family and is extending all possible consular help to him. The arrest happened after a court verdict. This matter presently is sub-judice and it would not be appropriate for me to comment any further on this issue.

Ayushi, yes, on the question of our conversations, yes, we have continuous conversations with the United States on several matters. On the question of Ariha Shah, you would have seen that the German Chancellor would be paying an official visit to India on 12th and 13th. We will have bilateral talks between the two leaders, our Prime Minister and German Chancellor in Ahmedabad. During these discussions all aspects of the bilateral relationship will be discussed.

Huma, you would have seen our statement that we issued post developments in Venezuela. We are closely following developments in that part of the world. As far as Indian nationals who are resident in Venezuela and Colombia, the countries in the region, we have not a big community, a small community, some 50 people in Venezuela. And also through our travel advisory, we have asked them to be in touch and our Embassy is in touch with them. In Colombia, we have somewhere around 650 Indian nationals, and there again our Embassy is in close touch with them as well.

But, as far as our commitment to Indian nationals are concerned, as and when there is a need for us to extend a helping hand and support, we will surely do that.

Preeti:I am Preeti, independent journalist. MEA has issued an advisory on Iran for our people to be cautious. Any other comments on the unrest?

And second one is Trump pulling out from 66 organizations. How do you see it affecting the International Solar Alliance, and the relief also that we contribute a lot to other nations? Thank you.

Sudhi Ranjan Sen, Bloomberg:Thank you, sir. Sir, I am drawing your reference to the FARA filings that have come out recently. And just wanted an understanding that is it a normal practice that India, you know, for meeting counterparts, meetings with ambassador-designate or even meetings of the External Affairs Minister with security establishments in the United States, you need a lobbyist? And does that show that India's reach within the Trump administration has completely broken down?

Suhasini Haidar, The Hindu: Yes, two follow ups. I am Suhasini Haidar from The Hindu. The first to Sudhi Ranjan's question about the particular FARA filings that have come out. On this, from this podium, you have often said that India did not reach out to the US, you know, during Operation SINDOOR for specific issues, particularly on trade. We do see in those FARA filings four calls made on behalf of the Indian Embassy by this particular lobbyist to the White House and to the US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, specifically about Operation SINDOOR. I'd like to ask in light of all the other filings that have come out, what those are about, whether the MEA can tell us what they discussed on May 10th, which is the specific day on Saturday?

The other question on Russian oil, I saw, you've already answered some of it. But it's not just the US and Mr. Trump personally who has said Indians want to please me by cutting Russian oil. Just two days ago, the Polish Foreign Minister, in the presence of EAM Jaishankar, said … he expressed satisfaction at India cutting its oil imports of Russian oil. Does this mean this is now an Indian policy? The External Affairs Minister did not contradict him on that day. So does it mean that India is now cutting its Russian oil, and is it going to zero out its imports of Russian oil as it has in the past with Iran and Venezuela? Thank you.

Sidhant, CNN-News18:Hi Sir, I am Sidhant from CNN-News18. Sir, any comments on the Minneapolis shooting?

Also, Sir, my other question is, you know, there are reports suggesting that India is planning to scrap five-year-old restrictions on the Chinese firm bidding for government contracts.

And the third, Sir, you know, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani wrote a letter to Umar Khalid. Do you have any comments to offer? Thank you.

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson:I've forgotten, you've asked me so many questions that I've forgotten what you asked. What was your second question?

Sidhant, CNN-News18:Sir, the second one is regarding some reports suggesting that...India will scrap... the ban on the Chinese companies to bid in India. This decision was taken after Galwan. So any such decision has been taken?

Keshav Padmanabhan:Sir, thank you. Keshav Padmanabhan from The Print. My first question is, has there been any update with regards to the consular access to the 16 Indian crew members who were detained by Iran last month on the 8th of December on the ship Valiant Roar?

And if I may add, Sir, with regards to oil purchases, I understand your position, but do you deny the characterization that has been afforded by the US and various European leaders that the curtailment is due to wanting to make them happy? Thank you.

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson:Okay. First, Preeti, your question. We are closely following developments in Iran. As you would have seen, we've also issued an advisory. We have some 10,000 Indian nationals and people of Indian origin in that country.

On International Solar Alliance, you would have seen, and we have seen the announcement that the US government made where they opted out of several international organizations including bodies of the United Nations. They also opted out of International Solar Alliance. On our part, we continue to push for or advancing its goals. Since its inception, International Solar Alliance has made significant progress in promoting solar energy deployment and cooperation among its members. There are 125 members who are part of International Solar Alliance at this point in time. More countries will be joining. We continue to advance its goals. On the larger question, India stands for multilateralism and believes that global issues need consultative and collaborative action by all countries.

Sudhi, your question about FARA filings. See, this is a normal practice in Washington D.C. and in the United States of America that countries, embassies, business establishments and private organizations, they hire lobbyists and consultants. We, on our part, the Indian mission, has been hiring such lobbying firms since the 1950s. The details of all these firms are available in the public domain. So, I would urge you if you wish to get to know more details of them, you can look up on the relevant website.

Suhasini, again your question on FARA filings. I said that this is a common practice and all these details are available on the website. It is a standard practice for embassies and business organizations and private organizations to have lobbying firm to strengthen their outreach. And so is the case with us. The Indian embassy in Washington has been hiring lobbyists to augment their outreach with various stakeholders in the United States since the 1950s.

On energy sourcing, our position has been clarified several times. You know exactly what our broad approach to energy sourcing from the global market is.

Sidhant, we are closely following the developments in and around Minneapolis shooting. We are concerned as we have a large Indian community in the United States, including a large number of students. We also have large number of professionals and other people. So naturally, it's a matter of concern for us.

On the issue of comments made by the Mayor of New York, we expect public representatives to be respectful of the independence of judiciary in other democracies. Expressing personal prejudices do not behove those in office. Instead of such comments, it would be better to focus on the responsibilities entrusted to them.

On your question about restrictions on Chinese companies, I don't have an update. This is a question that pertains to other departments of Government of India. I shall come back to you on where we are on this particular matter.

On energy sourcing again, you know, whether we buy oil from X part or Y part, you know, our broad approach, it is based on two imperatives. One is what is the available or evolving global dynamics and two, there is an imperative to provide energy at affordable rates to our 1.4 billion people. So, whatever we do will be guided by these two imperatives.

Unidentified Speaker:[inaudible]

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson:This is the broad approach of Government of India that I have just told you. This is how we look at energy sourcing. Okay. We go from there. Friend.

Andreas Franz, ARD: Thank you. Andreas Franz from ARD German TV and Radio. What are the Indian expectations concerning the initial visit of the German Chancellor on Monday and Tuesday? And are there any joint agreements planned or could you just give us a rough itinerary? I mean, we know he's going to Ahmedabad and he's going to Bengaluru, but what are your expectations from the visit?

Pranay Upadhyay, India Today, Aaj Tak: Sir, Pranay Upadhyay, India Today, Aaj Tak se. Somaliland se kya recognition ke liye Bharat ko koi aupcharik prastaav mila hai?

Aur doosra sawaal Greenland se juda hai. Kya Greenland ko lekar Bharat ki niti kya hai, agar koi military takeover hota hai ya American action wahan hota hai? Kyonki India-Nordic Summit mein Pradhan Mantri Modi ne Denmark ke andar hi kaafi solidarity express ki thi Nordic countries ke saath.

[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi]Sir, Pranay Upadhyay from India Today, Aaj Tak. Has India received any formal proposal from Somaliland seeking recognition? And my second question is related to Greenland. What is India's policy with regard to Greenland, in the event of any military takeover or American action there? This is because at the India-Nordic Summit, Prime Minister Modi had expressed considerable solidarity with the Nordic countries, including Denmark.

Megha Sharma, NewsX:Good afternoon, Sir. This is Megha from NewsX. The first question about the direct flights that are going to be resumed between Pakistan and Bangladesh after 14 years. Have there been permissions that have been sought by Bangladesh for overflight operations from India? And what is India's response on this?

Secondly, there is also a potential defense deal that is likely to be signed between both countries with the sale of the J-17s that Pakistan has spoken about. What is India's reaction to this?

Nirmala, Straits Times: Nirmala from Straits Times. In December, India and Russia signed a labour mobility pact, and also one on illegal migration. What are the next steps to kind of operationalizing these two deals? And, also any other measures that the MEA is taking to, you know, curb illegal migration or create safe corridors for migration?

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson:Okay. First, visit of German Chancellor. We eagerly await to receive German Chancellor in Ahmedabad and thereafter in Bengaluru. This is a very important visit. As you know, Germany is not just an important partner, is a strategic partner for us. We have a multifaceted partnership with Germany spanning economic, trade, skill development, green partnership, cooperation in the areas of new and emerging technology, on AI, semiconductor. Germany today is also an important destination for Indian students, professionals. We recently signed a mobility partnership which has given further push to our people-to-people ties. So, we expect significant results out of this very important visit that is going to happen on 12th and 13th. We will also be having several business engagements which will give a further boost to India-Germany partnership. And we very eagerly look forward to this visit which is of high importance to us.

There are several agreements. They are being negotiated between the parties, between the two sides. So, we will have a press briefing on 12th in Ahmedabad where we will give you all those details as to what are the agreements, significant ones, and all the agreements that will be signed between the two countries.

Pranay, aapka sawaal Somaliland ko lekar hai. Main aapko kehna chaahunga ki Somalia ke saath hamaare purane sambandh hain. Hamaara paksh yeh hai ki us desh ki jo kshetriya akhandata hai aur uski jo samprabhuta hai, uska aadar kiya jaaye, to yeh hamaara paksh hai Somalia ko leke.

[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi]Pranay, your question relates to Somaliland. I would like to say that we have long-standing relations with Somalia. Our position is that the country's territorial integrity and its sovereignty should be respected. This is our position with regard to Somalia.

For others who would like to know our position, India has longstanding ties with Somalia. We continue to underline the importance of respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country.

Jahan tak Greenland ki baat aapne batayi, wahan chal rahi jo bhi gatividhi, jo humne dekha hai bahut saari reports dekha hai media mein, aur in sabhi maamlon par jo gatividhiyaan chal rahi hain, us par hum log nazar banaye hue hain.

[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi]As far as Greenland is concerned, regarding the activities that are taking place there - we have seen in numerous reports in the media - we are closely monitoring the situation.

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: On Greenland, we have seen relevant media reports in this regard. We are closely following the developments.

Megha, on Biman, yes, we have seen reports about flight connections between Bangladesh and Pakistan. Such issues will be dealt with as per the agreements of the Air Services Agreement that we have with Bangladesh. On the other matter of defence engagement, we keep a close watch on all developments that have a bearing on our security interests.

Nirmala, I don't have an update as to on the labour mobility agreement that we signed. But yes, we look forward to putting this into action. There is a requirement on both sides to strengthen our economic partnership, our technology partnership. Recently, we inaugurated two new consulates in Russia, in Yekaterinburg and in Kazan. So, these agreements that have been signed on mobility partnership and labour agreements, they will open up new avenues for collaboration between the two countries.

Keshav Padmanabhan, ThePrint:On Iran Sir.

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Oh yes, sorry I missed your question. Yes, we have sought consular access on the detention of Indian nationals. We understand that ten of them have been arrested. They have been detained. Our embassy is in touch with the Iranian authorities in this matter and we have also sought consular access so that we can inquire about their well-being and also offer whatever assistance that is required from our side.

Mujib Mashal, NYT: Just one more follow-up on the Russian oil issue. There was a reduction of over several months before we see an uptick again. And in Lindsey Graham's words, the Indian Ambassador to United States characterized that reduction as a matter of policy to reduce tensions with the United States. Do you confirm that characterization or was it due to the market dynamics that you have been talking about?

Ayanangsha Maitra:Hello. Sir, thank you. This is Ayanangsha Maitra. Sir, is there any development ahead of Iranian Foreign Minister visit given the fast developing scenario in Iran?

And the second question would be... the year... this is the first presser of the MEA. The year begins with a phenomena of Book Fair. There are lot of international book fair that will occur within a month or so including my own state in Bengal, in Calcutta. So, all these international book fairs are a great place for the state mission for diplomacy. So, there is about hoping 7 million readers where some 10 billions markets remain untapped by international players. Which is... I mean beyond diplomacy there are business merits to it. So, is there any plan for... for tapping these opportunities during this season? Thank you.

Akanksha Swarup, CNN News 18: Good evening Sir. I am Akanksha Swarup from CNN News 18. Last week we saw India's Power Minister visit and inspect the ongoing projects on Indus rivers and including projects on Chenab. Given the IWT is in abeyance, in fact yesterday only the Foreign Office in Pakistan has said that IWT remains a binding international instrument and does not provide for its suspension or abeyance and that Pakistan will take this matter up with New Delhi at political and diplomatic levels. Will appreciate your response.

Gautam Lahiri: Gautam Lahiri. The questions relates to elections in Myanmar and Bangladesh. Where India has been consistently saying that India wants an inclusive participatory elections but that is not happening in Myanmar. And also in Bangladesh, the nomination papers have been submitted where the major political parties have been excluded, not allowed to participate in the election. How now India views those elections? Whether you will accept the results or you will still continue to put pressure on them?

Sanjeev Trivedi, News24: Sir, Sanjeev Trivedi mera naam hai, News 24 se hoon.

Sir, do jaankariyaan hain. Pehli to yeh aapse apekshit hai ki aapne yeh pehle bhi bataya tha ki consular access Iranian Navy dwara pakde gaye Bharatiyon ko lekar sambhav nahin ho pa raha hai, to kya aap kehna chahenge ki wahan protest chal raha hai, is wajah se? Yeh kya wajah hai? Kyunki ek mahine se upar ab silsila ho chuka hai aur abhi tak koi jaankari is baabat nahin mil paayi hai ki wajah kya hai, kis wajah se unhein pakda gaya hai.

Aur doosri baat yeh sir, apne saathiyon ki bas jigyaasa ko aage badhate hue ki America ke ohdedaron ki taraf se is tarah ke jo bayaan aate hain, aur yeh pehli dafa nahin hai ki aa rahe hain, pehle bhi aate rahe hain, to aap is manch se kya yeh kehna chahenge ki parasparik sambandhon ke liye yeh shaayad behtar nahin hai.

[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi]Sir, my name is Sanjeev Trivedi, from News 24. Sir, I have two questions. First, could you clarify - you had earlier mentioned that consular access to the Indians detained by the Iranian Navy has not been possible. Does this mean that protests are underway there, and is that the reason? What exactly is the reason? Because it has been more than a month now, and so far no information has been received in this regard as to why they were detained or on what grounds.

And the second point, sir, is simply to carry forward the curiosity of my colleagues: statements of this kind coming from American officials-this is not the first time they have been made; such statements have come earlier as well. From this platform, would you like to say that such statements are perhaps not conducive to mutual relations?

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay. Mujib, on oil. Look, on energy sourcing, what is our approach, I have already made myself very clear. So, I would stop at that.

Ayanangsha, yes, we will let you know about the upcoming visits that are happening at the level of ministers, et cetera, as and when we have these details with us. On International Book Fair, yes, this is a very important engagement for us as we strengthen our partnerships across the world. There are not just book fairs, but several international festivals happening in this city and in several cities across India. And we look forward to strengthening our cultural understanding with the world at large.

Akanksha, on Indus Waters Treaty, our position has been stated several times. It is kept in abeyance. It remains in abeyance till such time Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism.

Gautam, on elections in Myanmar and Bangladesh, we continue to support and call for inclusive, fair and free elections so that we have a mandate that is credible.

Sanjeev, Iran mein hum logon ne consular access maanga hai. Consular access aisa nahin hai ki nahin milta hai. Consular access ki ek prakriya hoti hai aur uske tahat consular access humne maanga hai. Aur is consular access ke maarfat hum wahan par jo hamaare log hain, jinhein detain kiya gaya hai, unki haal-chaal ke baare mein poochhenge aur hamaari koshish rahegi ki woh jald se jald apne desh lauten.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi]Sanjeev, we have sought consular access in Iran. It is not that consular access is denied as such. There is a process for consular access, and under that process we have requested it. Through this consular access, we will inquire about the well-being of our nationals there who have been detained, and we will make every effort to ensure that they return to their country at the earliest.

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson:America aur Bharat ke beech mein acche rishte hain aur dono deshon ke beech mein baatcheet chalti rahti hai. Yeh bahuaayami ek strategic partnership hai aur kai ek muddon par roz din baat chalti rahti hai.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi]The United States and India have good bilateral relations, and dialogue between the two countries is ongoing. This is a multifaceted strategic partnership, and discussions on a wide range of issues take place regularly.

Raghvendra Verma, ZDF German Television: Yeah. Sir, this is Raghvendra Verma from ZDF German Television. Sir, in light of the recent international developments especially by the United States in Venezuela, and talk about Greenland. And the upcoming visits with the German Chancellor, the EU delegation and later the French President. Is it the time for India to have or the countries for a radical shift in the discussions? Is India already prepared to focus more on the global order, and shifting the bilateral discussions that might happen towards rebuilding the global order or is it until things are normal?

Unidentified Speaker:Good evening. Thank you and Happy New Year. I have a follow up question on that my colleague from RT India asked about the Russian oil tanker that has been seized by the US. Does Indian government consider this practice to be in violation of freedom of international maritime navigation? Thank you.

Tawqeer Hussain, Yomiuri Shimbun: Hello, this is Tawqeer Hussain from Yomiuri Shimbun. I just want to know that how does MEA see the statement issued by the Congress party on Venezuela?

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson:So, first Raghvendra, to coming to your questions. Yes, the world is in a flux. There are several developments that are happening across the world. We continue to discuss and share our perspectives on those issues with our international partners.

On second question, we are closely following the developments, and as I took the question of your colleague, I said that we are ascertaining further details of the Indian nationals who are supposed to be there on the oil tanker.

Tawqeer, your question was on?

Tawqeer Hussain, Yomiuri Shimbun: About the Congress party statement on Venezuela.

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: On Venezuela, we have already given our statement. So, I would request you to look at what we have said.

With that, ladies and gentlemen, thank you very much for your presence.

New Delhi
January 09, 2026