Transcript of Weekly Media Briefing by the Official Spokesperson (September 05, 2025)

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson:Good afternoon, friends, let's begin our conversation. Welcome to this Press Conference.

Before I open the floor, I have an announcement to make. So let me first make the announcement. This is about the visit of the Prime Minister of Mauritius to India. The Prime Minister of Mauritius, His Excellency Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam will undertake a state visit to India from 9 to 16 of September 2025. This will be the first overseas bilateral visit of Prime Minister Dr. Ramgoolam to India in his present term. You would recall that Prime Minister Ramgoolam had earlier visited India in 2014 to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers.

During this visit to India of Dr. Ramgoolam, apart from Delhi, he will also visit Mumbai, Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Tirupati. In Mumbai, he will be attending a business event. More details of the visit you can see in the Press Release that we are going to issue shortly.

So, with that, now I open the floor for questions.

Kadambini Sharma, Independent Journalist:Sir, Kadambini Sharma, Independent Journalist. Abhi kuch hi minute pehle, American Rashtrapati Donald Trump ka ek tweet aaya hai, ek post unhone kiya hai social media par. Unhone likha hai ki looks like we have lost India and Russia to deepest darkest China. May they have a long and prosperous future together, President Donald J. Trump. Is par aapki pehli pratikriya.

[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi]Sir, Kadambini Sharma, Independent Journalist. Just a few minutes ago, a tweet has come from American President Donald Trump; he has made a post on social media. He wrote: "Looks like we have lost India and Russia to the deepest, darkest China. May they have a long and prosperous future together. - President Donald J. Trump." What is your first reaction to this?

Sidhant Sibal, WION:Hi, sir. I am Sidhant from WION. Sir, on 31st of August we saw massive protest in Australia, and they singled out Indians. The poster said that there are more Indians coming to Australia than Greeks and Italians. What do you have to say? Your reaction to it, and essentially Indians being singled out in Australia?

Madhurendra, News Nation:Sir, Madurendra mein news Nation se. Jaisa ki abhi abhi Truth Social par Trump ne likha ki Bharat ab unke hath se nikal chuka hai aur wo China aur Russia sath ja chuka hai. Is par aapki kya pratikriya hai?

Aur mera dusra sawal ye hai ki China ke sath Bharat ke sambandho ko dekhe agar PM ke visit ke baad to kya koi border talks ko lekar aage badhti hui cheez dikhai de rahi hai aur kya koi sambhavna dikh rahi hai ki Bharat aur China ki jo samrik sambandh hai wo patri par lautenge?

[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, Madurendra here from News Nation. Just now Trump wrote on Truth Social that India has slipped out of their hands and that it has gone with China and Russia. What is your reaction to this?

And my second question is, considering India's relations with China, after the Prime Minister's visit, do we see any progress on border talks, and is there any possibility that the strategic relationship between India and China will return to the right track?

Pranay Upadhyaya, India Today Aaj Tak:Pranay Upadhyay hoon India Today Aaj Tak se, aur mera sawal hai ki America se kafi Virodhabhasi bayan aa rahe hai. Ek taraf Peter Navarro jo hai, Russia Ukraine ki ladai ko Modi ka Yudh kehte hai. Scott Bessant kehte hai ki dono hi paripakwa loktantra hai hum apne vivado ko suljha lenge. Donald Trump kehte hai ki ye relationship kho chuki hai ab. Toh Bharat America ke sath sambandho ko kis tarike se dekhta hai, is ranitik sajhedari mein tab jab ki humari forces unke sath joint Yudh abhyas bhi kar rahi hai bahut sari cheezen America ke sath chal rahi hain. Is sambandh ko jodne ko aur banaye rakhne ke liye Bharat ki taraf se kya prayas hai?

[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, Pranay Upadhyay here from India Today Aaj Tak, and my question is: There are quite conflicting remarks from the U.S. On one hand, Peter Navarro calls the Russia-Ukraine war "Modi's war." Scott Bessent says that both are mature democracies, and we will resolve our disputes. Donald Trump says that this relationship is now lost. So, how does India view its relations with America, in this strategic partnership, especially when our forces are conducting joint military exercises, and many other engagements are ongoing with the U.S.? What efforts are India making to maintain and strengthen this relationship?

Ayushi Agarwal, ANI: Sir, this is Ayushi Agarwal, from ANI. The Prime Minister of Nepal, during a meeting with Chinese President Xi in Tianjin, has once again objected to India restarting trade through the Lipulekh Pass saying that the territory belongs to Nepal. Any comments on such objections?

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay, first let me come to Kadambini, your question regarding the post. I have no comments to offer on this post at this point.

Madhu, ye aapka sawal bhi is pe tha to is pe hamare paas abhi tippani karne ke liye kuch nahi hai. Inka mein baad me jawab deta hun.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Madhu, your question was also on this topic, and at the moment we don't have any comments.

I will respond to those later.

Siddhant, your question regarding the protests that we saw in Australia. We all are aware that anti-immigrant protests happened in several cities in Australia on 31st of August. Our High Commissioner and our Consulates General in Australia, they were in regular touch with the Australian government, as also with our community members in this regard.

As you know that we have a large diaspora in Australia, almost about a million. Before the protests took place, our High Commission conveyed whatever concerns that were shared with them by the Indian community members, to the Australian government. In response, we actually received a formal response from the Australian side, where they acknowledged that the protests in Australia may be of concern for Australia's diverse communities.

At the same time, you would have seen that senior leaders and politicians, both from the Australian government side and also from the opposition side, they have issued statements supporting the multicultural identity of Australia. They've also recognized the role played by the Indian-Australian community in the overall progress and development of Australia, and they appreciate and acknowledge this role very much.

On our side, we continue to firmly believe that diversity is strength. We value a comprehensive strategic partnership with Australia, of which our people-to-people ties are a very important element, and in fact, it bolsters our strategic ties. The Government of India remains committed to securing the welfare and well-being of all Indians abroad, and we are in touch with the Australian government, as also with our diaspora organization in Australia in regard to the developments that are happening.

Jaisa ki aapko gyat hoga ki 31 August ko Australia ke kai shehron mein virodh pradarshan hue. Anti-immigration Virodh pradarshan hue. Hamare jo uchayukt wahah hai aur hamare jo consulawas, kai ek consulawas jo Australia mein hai, is mudde par is masle par waha ke sarkar ke sath aur waha ke Bharatiya samuday ke sath is pe sampark banaye rakhe rakha hai unhone. Aur protest jab virodh pradarshan hua usse pehle bhi jo unse jo sajha kiya gaya chintayen hamare samaj ki woh Australia Sarkar ke samne hum logo ne rakha.

Hum logo ko Australia Sarkar ki taraf se jawab aaya ki wo mante hai ki ye virodh pradarshan ko leke jo chintayen hai waha ke alag alag samuday ke logo ke liye wo ek ek masla hai. Aur aapne dekha hoga ki wahah par bahut saare rajneta gan, saath hi mein jo senior leaders hai, dono taraf se sarkar ki taraf se aur vipaksh ki taraf se unhone kai ek statement jaari kiya hai. Ye kehte hue ki Australia ek bahu sanskritik samaj hai, multicultural samaj hai aur usme har paksh ka, har samuday ka yogdan hai.

Unhone Bharatiya samuday ki jo wahah par contribution hai, jo yogdan hai usko unhone saraha aur saath hi mein usko swikar bhi kiya hai. Hamare taraf se ye manna hai ki vividta hamare samaj ka aur kisi bhi samaj ka ek strength hota hai. Ek usko mazbuti pradan karta hai aur jaha tak Australia aur Bharat ke sajhedari ka sawal hai, jo ki comprehensive strategic partnership hai, isko hum aur mazboot karna chahte hai aur isme jo dono deshon ke beech mein jo ghatjod hai logo ke beech mein wo usko mazbuti pradan karta hai.

Bharat Sarkar apni taraf se pratibaddh hai ki Bharatiya nagrik aur Bharatiya samuday jo bahar rehte hain, unke kalyan ke liye wo humesha pratibaddh hai aur kaam karta rahega. Abhi ke jo virodh pradarshan hue Australia mein us pe hum Bhartiya wahah ke sarkar ke sath aur wahah ke samuday ke sath sampark banaye hue hain.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi]As you are aware, on 31st August, there were anti-immigration demonstrations in several cities in Australia. Our High Commissioner there, as well as our consuls, have been engaging with the Australian government and with the Indian community there on this issue. Even before the protests took place, the concerns shared with them were conveyed to the Australian government on behalf of our community.

We received a response from the Australian government acknowledging that the concerns regarding the protests and demonstrations are valid. You must have noticed that several politicians and senior leaders, both from the government and the opposition, issued statements emphasizing that Australia is a multicultural society where every community has a role to play.

They appreciated and recognized the contribution of the Indian community there. From our side, we believe that diversity is a strength of any society, including ours, and it provides resilience. As far as the partnership between Australia and India is concerned - which is a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership - we want to further strengthen it. The bond between our peoples adds to this strength.

The Government of India is committed to the welfare of Indian citizens and the Indian community living abroad and will continue to work toward their well-being. Regarding the recent protests in Australia, we are maintaining communication with the Australian government and the Indian community there.

Madhu, Bharat Cheen ke baatcheet ke baare mein. Dekhiye Bharat aur Cheen ke rishton mein kai ek mulaakaate hui hai, leader level pe bhi hui hai, Tianjin mein leader maananeey Pradhanmantri ki mulaakaat wahan ke Rashtrapati Xi Jinping se hui. Mulaakaat ke baad hum logon ne ek press vigyapti jaari kiya aur kaafi matlab detail mein press vigyapti, usmein har muddon par baat rakhi gayi hai. Aur jaisa ki us press vigyapti mein aap dekhenge ki dono netaon ne is baat ka swagat kiya hai ki ek is rishte mein ek positive momentum aur steady progress bana hua hai. Toh main chaahunga ki aapka nazar is press vigyapti pe aap laaye taki aur bhi jo detail mein hum logon ne baatein rakhi hai usko aap behtar samajh paayenge.

Pranay, Peter Navarro ke comment ke baare mein. Hum logon ne kuch galat aur gumraah karne wale comment ya statement Shri Navarro ki taraf se dekha hai. Aur saath hi saath hum yeh kahna chahte hain ki yeh humare liye aswikarniya hai. Isko hum asvikaar karte hain.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi]Madhu, regarding the India-China talks, as you may have seen, there have been several meetings between India and China, including at the leader level. In Tianjin, the Honourable Prime Minister had a meeting with the Chinese President Xi Jinping. After the meeting, we issued a press release, and the press release covered all issues in considerable detail. As you will see in that press release, both leaders welcomed the fact that there is positive momentum and steady progress in this relationship. So, I would like you to focus on this press release so that you can better understand the details and points we have highlighted.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Pranay, regarding Peter Navarro's comments, we have seen some incorrect and misleading comments or statements from Mr. Navarro. We would also like to state that these are unacceptable to us. We reject them.

We have seen the inaccurate and misleading statements made by Mr. Navarro and obviously we reject them.

As far as India-United States relations are concerned. Pranay, yeh hum logon ne pehle bhi kaha hai ki dono deshon ke beech mein ek comprehensive global strategic partnership hai. Aur hum chaahte hain ki is partnership ke jo mudde tayaar kiye gaye humare beech mein ek substantive agenda jisko banaya gaya hai, us par kaam karke hum isko aage le jaaye, dono deshon ke beech mein ek aapsi samajh ke saath, dono ke shared interest ke saath, aur saath hi saath mutual respect ke saath.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi]As far as India-United States relations are concerned. Pranay, we have stated earlier that there is a Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership between the two countries. We want to advance this partnership by working on the substantive agenda that we have prepared, with mutual understanding, considering the shared interests, and with mutual respect.

We have spoken about it earlier also. This relationship between the United States and India is very important for us. Both our countries share a Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, which is anchored in our shared interests, democratic values and robust people-to-people ties. This partnership has weathered several transitions as I have said before and challenges. We remain focused on the substantive agenda that our two countries have committed to. And we hope that the relationship will continue to move forward based on mutual respect and shared interests, as you would have seen.

Pranay, aapka main dhyaan lana chaahunga, yuddha abhyas chal raha hai Alaska mein, saath hi saath kuch din pehle Two Plus Two ka inter-sessional meeting hua tha. Ek aur delegation, ek dal aaya tha Defence Policy Group ka, abhi kuch din pehle. Toh dono deshon ke beech mein awajahi, dono deshon ke beech mein baatcheet chal rahi hai, aur hum pratibaddh hain ki is saajhedaari ko aur majboot karein.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Pranay, I would like to draw your attention to the fact that a military exercise is currently underway in Alaska. At the same time, a few days ago, there was an inter-sessional Two Plus Two meeting. Another delegation, a team from the Defence Policy Group, also visited just a few days ago. So, there is engagement between the two countries, talks are ongoing, and we are committed to further strengthening this partnership.

Ayushi, your question regarding the statements that were made by Nepal on the border issue on 20th August, if I recollect correctly, we had issued a statement clearly stating what our position is, and I would therefore like to draw your attention to the statement.

Shivam Patel, Reuters:Thank you sir. This is Shivam Patel from Reuters News. I had a query about the SCO Summit in Tianjin. In the Joint Statement, there is a mention that interested parties agreed to establish an SCO development bank. Is India one of the interested parties? Could you also shed some light on the mandate of this bank, and is the ultimate goal the creation of an independent financial system? Thank you.

Yeshi Seli, Business India: This is Yeshi Seli from Business India. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal just two days back had said that the bilateral trade agreement is likely to happen, and negotiations are going on. In that context, given that background, President Trump's statement … is that going to be 'spanner in the works,'? And secondly, are we going to be optimistic of having a Quad Summit this year?

If you permit, can I ask the another question. A lot of countries are reaching out to India to intervene to end the conflict in Ukraine. Is there something that India is going to do, considering the fact that we are close to Russia as well?

Umashankar Singh, Independent Journalist:Umashankar Singh, Independent Journalist. Mera sawaal yeh hai ki kal EU ki taraf se do bayan aaye, jismein yeh kaha gaya ki Bharat ka role kaafi aham hai, Ukraine-Russia conflict ko khatam karne ke liye.

Mera sawaal yeh hai ki kya Bharat koi active role play kar raha hai? Bayan to Bharat ki taraf se lagataar aa rahe hain ki yuddh ka kaal nahi hai aur dialogue aur diplomacy ke zariye maamle ko suljhane ki zarurat hai, lekin kya parde ke peeche koi active role Bharat ki taraf se nibhaya ja raha hai?

[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] My question is that yesterday, two statements came from the EU, in which it was said that India's role is very important in resolving the Ukraine-Russia conflict.

My question is … is India playing any active role? Statements from India have been coming continuously that it is not the time for war, and that the matter needs to be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. But is India playing any active role behind the scenes?

Ajay Banerjee, The Tribune: Good afternoon, Ajay Banerjee from the Tribune. Though you have answered what Donald Trump has said, I am not on that. But Trump has mentioned that India has been lost to China. Are you comfortable with this clubbing with China?

Sandra Petersmann, DW Germany:I am Sandra Pietersman from DW Germany. Could you perhaps shed some light on the proposed BRICS virtual summit on Monday that President Lula of Brazil called for? Will it happen, and will PM Modi participate?

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay. So, first Shivam on your question regarding SCO Development Bank which has a mention in the Tianjin Declaration. At this point in time or at this stage we are examining the proposal. Further, in relation to your other part of the question we don't have any details to share at this point.

Yeshi, we have said this before as well, we continue to remain on US side on trade issues. On Quad Summit, we see the Quad as a valuable forum for discussion among the four member countries on shared interests on several issues. The Leaders' Summit, as you know, it is scheduled through diplomatic consultations among the member countries, that is among the four countries.

As far as the Ukraine conflict is concerned, we welcome all the recent efforts towards establishing peace in Ukraine. We hope that all parties will proceed ahead constructively. India supports an early end of the conflict and the establishment of an enduring peace. That also answers your question, Uma.

Aapne dekha hoga kai ek sari baatchit hui hai Pradhan Mantri aur duniya ke alag alag leaders ke sath. Uske baad hum logo ne press vigypati bhi jari ki hai. Aur jahan tak Ukraine ke hamara position ka sawal hai yeh humne aapko bataya hai, ki jo bhi abhi ke efforts chal rahe hain, jo waha par shanti bahal karne ke liye, uska hum log swagat karte hain, aur hamara yah manna hai ki jo bhi parties hai isme is mudde par aage badhenge, ek constructive approach ke sath. Aur jahan tak Bharat ka sawal hai Bharat is baat ki is baat ko support karta hai ki jaldi se jaldi waha par jo conflict hai sangharsh chal raha hai wo khatam ho aur waha par ek chirsthai shanti ka vatavaran bane.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] You will have seen that there have been many discussions between the Prime Minister and various world leaders. After that, we also issued a press release. As far as India's position on Ukraine is concerned, we have already conveyed that we welcome all ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace there. We believe that all parties involved should move forward on this issue with a constructive approach. As far as India is concerned, India supports the view that the conflict there should end as soon as possible and that an environment of lasting peace should be established.

Ajay, again you know I have already answered your question. I have no comments to offer on the latest post that you referred to.

Sandra, on BRICS, yes. The Brazilian chair of BRICS, they have called for a virtual meeting. This virtual meeting will happen on eighth. From our side it will be the External Affairs Minister who will be participating in it. This BRICS Summit is at the leaders level.

Kallol Bhattacharjee, The Hindu: On India-US relation, we often heard that the relation was based on shared values like democracy, respect for human rights, etc. What sort of common values do we have with China? What is really the common value that is tying India and China together right now?

Suhasini Haidar, The Hindu: This is Suhasini Haidar from the Hindu. I have two specific questions. One, has India invited the Taliban's acting Foreign Minister Muttaqi to India, and applied to the United Nations for sanctions waivers to bring him here, which has now been refused, as is being reported? And whether that signifies that India is shifting its position on recognition of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan?

My second question is, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar spoke at the press conference along with the German Foreign Minister and said he had raised the issue of Ariha Shah's linguistic, cultural, religious rights. It's been three years since he said he had spoken to the previous German Foreign Minister about it. We understand that there is still no teacher for any Indian language for Ariha Shah. It's three years later. Has India failed to express or to have the German government completely understand its concerns on the issue? And what kind of action can India take given that it's been three years?

Jessica Taneja, DD India:This is Jessica Taneja for DD India. So, there was a Bloomberg report which stated that President Xi had sent a secret letter to President of India in March stating that India-US trade deal will be detrimental to Sino-India relations. Can the MEA ?

Mukesh Kaushik, Dainik Bhaskar:Sir, this is Mukesh Kaushik from Dainik Bhaskar. I am not insisting that you should comment on what Donald Trump said about China and India. I am asking whether India as a return gesture would wish President Donald Trump and his terrorist friend Pakistan a long and disastrous future together?

Rishabh, Times Now: Sir, good evening. Rishabh from Times Now. Sir, since IWT is in abeyance, there is flood situation on borders, specifically in the Punjab area. Has India been sharing the flood water situation with Pakistan and what is the mechanism being used for that? Also, sir, are we looking at any Quad meeting on the sidelines of UNGA as well given that leaders from all the four countries would be there?

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Kallol on India-China ties. We have given you detailed readout of the meetings that have happened. Those readouts talk about all the linkages that we have, the kind of issues that are part of India-China dialogue and discussion. So, I would refer you to please have a look at the Press Releases, not just the one that was issued in Tianjin, but apart from that we also had a press readout of External Affairs Minister's meeting with the Foreign Minister of China. We also had a detailed press readout of SR level talks. So, all that forms part of the India-China bilateral agenda at this point in time.

Suhasini, your question regarding the proposed visit. As I have said this before also and you are aware, we have longstanding ties with the people of Afghanistan. We continue to support the aspirations and development needs of the Afghan people. We also continue to have engagements with Afghan authorities. If there is any update on this account, we will surely update you or share with you.

On the Ariha Shah case, yes this was raised when the Foreign Minister of Germany was here. It was also raised when External Affairs Minister visited Germany. We have had progress in this matter. We will shortly give you more details on that. But to tell you that the government attaches high importance to this particular matter. We have had consular visits. The Embassy has been engaged with her, provided her books. We have arranged temple visits, and we are doing several other things to ensure that her upbringing happens in a cultural environment that is conducive to her, and for her full growth and development. So, on some of the things where progress has been made, I will surely inform you on that account.

Jessica, your question was on the Bloomberg report. We have seen that report and can that the story of the letter is incorrect. I would also at the same time urge all our media friends here to exercise due responsibility in your reporting.

Mukesh ji, aapke sawaal ka jawaab, woh aapke sawaal mein hi hai. Toh main aapse kahunga ki aap … ye aap keh rahe hai na… Jo abhi post aaya, uspe jo tipanni mujhe karna tha, maine bataya aapko. Uske baad, agar jo aap kalpana karna chahe, wo aapke kalpana jagat ki baat hai.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi]Mukesh ji, the answer to your question is actually contained within your question itself. So, I would say that … this is what you are saying, right? … Regarding the post that just came, I have already given my comment on it. After that, whatever you choose to imagine, or think is entirely your own realm of imagination.

Rishabh, we have been sharing high flood data with Pakistan through our diplomatic channels, as and when it is required. This sharing of data is happening through our High Commission in Islamabad.

On the UNGA meetings, we will let you know as to what sort of program is being scheduled, and give you an update on that at a subsequent time.

Divya, Indian Express: Sir, Divya from Indian Express. There was a report last week in New York Times which said that President Trump is not visiting India this year. So, in that situation, is India open to having Quad Leaders' Summit at another location? Or is India okay to reschedule it, or go ahead with a lesser representation or alternative representation from the US? Is there any conversation about this? Thank you.

Brahma Prakash Dubey, Zee News:Sir, Brahm Prakash hoon Zee News se. Mera sawal yeh hai ki America ke former NSA John Bolton ne abhi abhi ek bayan diya hai ki Modi aur Trump ke riste ab khatam ho chuke hain 50% tariff ke baad. Toh kya lagta hai, kya Bharat ke riste prabhavit hue hain Trump ki jis tarah ki bayan baji hui hai, jaise riste pehle hote the wo ab badal chuke hain ye mana jaye? Kyuki ek aur baat unhone kahi hai ki Bharat ab Russia aur China ke sath ja chuka hai. Thank you.

[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, Brahm Prakash from Zee News. My question is that America's former NSA, John Bolton, has just stated that the Modi-Trump relationship has ended after the 50% tariff. So, what is your view-have India's relations been affected by Trump's recent statements? Can it be said that the relationship has now changed? Because he also said that India has now gone with Russia and China. Thank you.

Krishna Mohan Sharma, Bharat Express: Krishna Mohan Sharma, Bharat Express se. Mera sawal bhi America se hai. JD Vance aur hamare Piyush Goyal sahab dono ne kaha ki jitne diplomatic channels hai hamare abhi open hai. Is darmiyan ek jis tarike se tweet aaya hai usse kya matlab nikala jaye koi sambhava hai abhi ya trade deal jo hai bilkul jaisa hai waisa hi chalta rahega?

[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Krishna Mohan Sharma, from Bharat Express. My question is also regarding America. JD Vance and Piyush Goyal both said that all diplomatic channels are currently open. In the meantime, given the way the tweet has come, what should be inferred from it? Is there any possibility that things will change, or will the trade deal continue exactly as it is?

Keshav Padmanabhan, ThePrint: Thank you, Sir. Keshav Padmanabhan from ThePrint. I have two questions. First is on the recent visit by the German Foreign Minister and his comments in the joint press conference. He said he supports the use of sanctions to pressurize Russia, and there have been secondary sanctions on Indian oil firms. Was this strongly raised given that in the Tianjin Declaration, which India signed on, there was a clear line saying we do not support the use of unilateral sanctions and economic coercion as statecraft. So, can you give us a comment on that?

And the second question is that there have been reports in Azerbaijan's media that India blocked some sort of application by Baku to the SCO. Can you deny or state what is India's position with regards to this? Thank you.

Niraj Kumar, News18 India:Sir, I am Niraj hoon News18 India se. Aapne kaha ki Pakistan ko High Commission ke jariye baadh se judi jankariya di ja rahi hai. Mera sawal yeh hai ki Sindu jal samjhota sthagit hai, aise mein uchayog ke jariye jankari dene ka maksad kya hai, karan kya hai.

[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi]Sir, I am Niraj from News18 India. You mentioned that information related to the floods is being shared with Pakistan through the High Commission. My question is, since the Indus Water Treaty has been kept in abeyance, what is the purpose and reason for sharing information through the High Commission in such a situation?

Archis Mohan, Business Standard: Archis Mohan from Business Standard. So, in the context of Chinese Foreign Minister's visit to India. We were given to understand that the Chinese side said that they look into our our expectations on restoring supply of critical minerals, tunnel boring machines, and fertilizers. Has there been any progress, and are we satisfied with whatever progress there has been on that. Thank you.

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson:So, Divya, your question is regarding Quad. See, I would not like to comment on speculative media reports on this issue. As I said, we see the Quad as a valuable forum for discussion on shared interests, on a number of issues, by the member countries. As far as the Leaders' Summit is concerned, this is something that is scheduled through diplomatic consultations among the four partners.

Brahm, dekhiye jahan tak tariff ka sawal ho ya Bharat America ke riste ka sawal ho, in dono mudde pe hum logo ne statement jari kiya hai aur main chahunga ki aap us statement ko dekhen, tariff ke mudde par hum logo ne statement jari kiya hai, ek nahi ek se jyada kiya hai. Aur jahan tak risto ki baat hai uske bare me abhi main khulasa kiya ki kis prakar se hum Bharat aur America ke riste ko dekhte hain.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi]:Brahm, regarding the question of tariffs or India-US relations, we have issued statements on both these issues, and I would suggest that you refer to those statements. On the issue of tariffs, we have issued more than one statement. As far as the relationship is concerned, I have already explained how we view the relations between India and the United States.

Krishna Mohan ji aapka sawal bhi Bharat aur America ko leke hai, risto se leke hai. Yehi main kahunga, humne kaha abhi ki ek sajedari compressive partnership hai, strategic partnership hai aur isme jo substantive agenda hai uske sath hum aage badhna chahte hain is basis pe ki dono desho ke hiton ko rakha jaye aur sath mein apsi dono mein mutual respect ho.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Krishna Mohan ji, your question is also regarding India and the United States, about the relationship. I would say the same thing: we have stated that there is a comprehensive strategic partnership, and we want to move forward on the basis of the substantive agenda, ensuring that the interests of both countries are safeguarded with mutual respect.

Keshav, on Azerbaijan, yes let me clarify. See the expansion of SCO is an ongoing process. This year, both Armenia and Azerbaijan submitted their application for membership of the SCO. Due to time constraints, a decision on this issue could not be taken by the member states in Tianjin. But this particular issue, that is of the membership of both countries, remains under consideration by the group.

On the other question regarding sanctions. Yes, of course, that is not our policy to accept unilateral sanctions. But as and when there are sanctions, we have made statements, including the latest one, when Nayara Energy was sanctioned. So, I would like to request you to please look at those statements. It will clarify where we stand on this particular matter.

Niraj, ye jo hum log badh sambhit jo data hum Pakistan ke sath saza kar rahe hain ye diplomatic channels ke madhyam se ho raha hai. Tabhi maine kaha ki high commission ke madhyam se unko diya ja raha hai aur ye manavta ke aadhar pe diya ja raha hai.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Niraj, the flood-related data that we are sharing with Pakistan is being done through diplomatic channels. That is why I said it is being provided via the High Commission, and it is being shared on the basis of humanitarian considerations.

We have been sharing high flood data with Pakistan through our High Commission, through our diplomatic channels. This is being done as and when required, first. You have seen the kind of rainfall that is happening in that part of India, and that part of the world. And this is being done based on humanitarian consideration.

Sudhi Ranjan Sen, Bloomberg:Sir, Sudhi Ranjan Sen. We have seen a lot of comments on the H1B visa coming from the United States. Some even calling it a scam that Indian companies have been running. Is there a response or a statement that you would want to give?

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: So first, Archis, your question. On the economic issues that you mentioned, there has been progress on some of the restrictions that were there. They have been lifted, and hopefully we will see more progress in the future.

On H1B visa, look, Sudhi, mobility partnership between India and the United States is an important pillar of this relationship. It supports our technology collaboration. It supports our economic collaboration. It supports several other things that are happening in the space of innovation, new and emerging technologies, financial collaboration. We value it, and it is something that brings mutual benefit to both sides. While it creates space for our skilled people to work in the United States, it also adds a lot of value to the competitiveness and productivity of American enterprises. It is something that is a mutual benefit. We continue to engage with the United States on mobility issues and see how best we can drive this partnership.

Ajay Banerjee, The Tribune:The assembly is slated three weeks from now. Anybody from India will be representing India at the UN General Assembly?

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson:Yes, each year we have an Indian delegation participating in the UN General Assembly. This year again we will have an Indian delegation going there. As to who will be leading it, we will surely let you know in due time, on our participation.

Ladies and gentlemen, thank you very much for your participation.

New Delhi
September 05, 2025