Transcript of Weekly Media Briefing by the Official Spokesperson (May 07, 2026)

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Good afternoon friends. I warmly welcome you to this press briefing. The floor is open.

Rishabh: Sir, after the results that came in from the elections, there have been statements coming in from across the border. Khalilur Rahman, the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, has made two statements. A, if there is a pushback after the new government in West Bengal, there will be appropriate action taken-this is his words. And the second on the Teesta issue, he is going to speak to China as well. What will be your reaction to that?

Siddhant, WION: Hi sir, Siddhant from WION. It's been one year since Operation Sindoor. We have seen Pakistan raising the Indus Water issue including at the UN. We saw the Pakistani Ambassador giving a letter to the UN officials. What's India's stance on Indus Water Treaty? Any plan of conversation in the future?

Madhurendra, News Nation: Sir jaisa ki Madhurendra-main News Nation se, Operation Sindoor ke ek saal pure ho chuke hain aur aise mein kayi baatein jo ispasht ki gayi thi, jaise talk and terror ek saath nahi chalega, khoon aur paani ek saath nahi bahega, talk and trade bhi ek saath nahi chalega aur Operation Sindoor jaari hai. Toh in tamaam sthitiyon par main chahunga ki ek baar Videsh Mantralaya apni taraf se ispasht kare ki Pakistan ko lekar Operation Sindoor ke ek saal beet jaane ke baad hamari niti kya hai aur kya kisi bhi tarah ke dialogue ya kisi bhi tarah ke diplomacy ka raasta khul raha hai?

[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Madhurendra from News Nation. Sir, as one year of Operation Sindoor has now been completed, several positions had earlier been clearly stated-such as "talks and terror cannot go together," "blood and water cannot flow together," and "talk and trade also cannot go together." At the same time, Operation Sindoor is still ongoing.

So, regarding all these developments, I would request the Ministry of External Affairs to once again clarify India's policy towards Pakistan after one year of Operation Sindoor. Is there any possibility of dialogue or any diplomatic channel opening up in any form?

Keshav Padmanabhan, ThePrint: Thank you Spokesperson. Keshav Padmanabhan from ThePrint. Last week, the Canadian Intelligence Services, CSIS, came out with a report that made two specific claims. One, that India is still involved in foreign interference, and secondly, that extremist groups based in Canada have been raising funds for carrying out violence in India. So now, on those two claims, can you tell us first on-with regards to foreign interference because it's coming up again in CSIS documents and their annual report. And secondly, with regards to these violent extremist groups, I know there was a mechanism that was agreed to when the NSAs met. So, can you give us a sense of what is sort of the ongoing conversations with Canada with regards to sharing of intelligence of these extremist groups in Canada and whether we've made any new extradition requests in that sense. Thank you.

Yeshi Seli, Business India: This is Yeshi Seli from Business India. Wanted to know what's the update on Lipulekh. You know, there was this statement that Nepalese Foreign Ministry had issued about expressing reservations and India also did so. So what is the latest on that?

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay, so let me come first to Rishabh, to your question. See, we have seen comments of this nature being made in the last several days. These comments must be seen in the context of the core issue of repatriation of illegal Bangladeshis from India. This obviously requires cooperation from Bangladesh. Over 2860 cases of nationality verification are pending with Bangladesh, a lot of it for over five years. Our policy as you very well understand is that any foreign national who is illegal in the country, he or she must be repatriated as per laws, procedures, and established bilateral mechanisms and arrangements. We expect that Bangladesh will expedite nationality verification, so that repatriation of illegal immigrants can take place in a smooth manner.

In sab tippaniyo ko aapko ek background ke roop mein aur uske background ko samajhne ki zarurat hai. Yahan par jo mukhya mudda hai woh hai pratyavartan ka, matlab ki repatriation ka, un logo ka jo avaidh log hamare desh mein reh rahe hain Bangladesh ke. Jo log avaidh dhang se hamare yahan reh rahe hain ismein humko Bangladesh ki sahayog chahiye taaki unko repatriate kiya ja sake apne desh. Pichle kuch saalon mein 2860 se upar aise masle hain jismein hum logo ne rashtriya satyapan ke liye Bangladesh ko khabar kiya hai aur yeh sabhi maamle unke yahan lambit hain, kayi ek saare maamlo mein yeh paanch saal se zyada lambit hain. Hamara jaise ki jaante hain ki hamari yeh niti hai, yeh policy hai ki jo bhi videshi nagrik hamare yahan avaidh roop se reh raha hai, woh-unko apne desh jaana padega jab unki nationality verification, unka rashtriyata ka satyapan ho jaata hai. Aur hamara yeh apeksha hai Bangladesh se aur unke sarkar se ki jo nationality verification yaani rashtriyata satyapan ka jo humne maang unko bheja hai usko woh jald se jald pura karenge taaki jo bhi avaidh roop se Bangladesh ke log hamare yahan reh rahe hain unka repatriation ho sake ek bade hi sucharu roop se.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] All these remarks need to be understood in their background and context. The main issue here is repatriation-that is, the return of those Bangladeshi nationals who are residing illegally in our country. We require Bangladesh's cooperation in order to repatriate such individuals to their country. Over the past few years, there have been more than 2,860 such cases in which we have approached Bangladesh for nationality verification, and all these matters are still pending there. In many cases, they have remained pending for more than five years. As you know, it is our policy that any foreign national residing illegally in India will have to return to their own country, once their nationality verification is completed. Our expectation from Bangladesh and its government is that they will complete the nationality verification requests we have sent at the earliest, so that the repatriation of Bangladeshi nationals residing illegally in India can take place in a smooth and orderly manner.

The other question Rishabh you had was on Teesta. Look, between India and Bangladesh, we have 54 rivers which the two countries share. We have structured bilateral mechanisms to discuss all water related issues, and these bilateral mechanisms they continue to meet at regular intervals.

Siddhant, your question on Operation Sindoor. Today we are marking the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor. The entire world saw the Pahalgam terrorist attack for what it was. We gave a befitting reply to Pakistan for its sponsorship of cross-border terrorism. The world knows that cross-border terrorism has long been used by Pakistan as an instrument of state policy. We in India have every right to defend ourselves against terrorism. We will continue to work to strengthen the global fight against terrorism.

You also had a question on the IWT, Siddhant. So our position on Indus Waters Treaty has been consistent. IWT, as I had said earlier as well, it stands in abeyance in response to Pakistan's sponsorship of cross-border terrorism. Pakistan must credibly and irrevocably abjure its support for cross-border terrorism.

Madhu, aapka sawaal ka maine jawaab diya tha angrezi mein, main isko hindi mein kahunga. Aaj ke din, hum log Operation Sindoor ka varshganth mana rahe hain. Ek saal ho gaye Operation Sindoor ke. Poore duniya ne dekha kis prakar ke barbarata ke saath Pahalgam mein aatankvadi hamla hua tha, jismein 26 logon ki jaane gayin thin, masoom logon ki jaane gayin thin. Hum logon ne Pakistan ko uske baad Operation Sindoor ke zariye munh-tod jawab diya, unke seema-paar se aatankvad ke samarthan ke liye. Poore duniya jaanti hai ki Pakistan seema-paar se aatankvad ko ek instrument of state policy ki tarah uska istemal karta hai. Jahaan tak Bharat ka sawal hai, yeh hamara ispe poora haq hai ki hum log apne rashtra-suraksha ko aur aatankvad ke khilaf apne ko uske khilaf ladai mein hum khade utrein aur saath hi saath hum jo duniya bhar mein ek sehmati ban rahi hai aatankvad se ladne ke liye aur vaishvik jod is ladai mein laane ke liye, usmein bhi hum log sanlagn hain aur isko aage le ja rahe hain. Jahaan tak baat rahi jo apne kaha, talks and terror, obviously talks and terror cannot go together.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Madhu, I had answered your question earlier in English; I will now say it in Hindi. Today, we are marking the anniversary of Operation Sindoor. It has been one year since Operation Sindoor. The entire world witnessed the kind of brutality with which the terrorist attack took place in Pahalgam, in which 26 innocent people lost their lives. After that, through Operation Sindoor, we gave Pakistan a befitting response for its support to cross-border terrorism. The whole world knows that Pakistan uses cross-border terrorism as an instrument of state policy. As far as India is concerned, it is our right to safeguard our national security and to stand firmly in the fight against terrorism. At the same time, we are also actively engaged in building global consensus and international cooperation in the fight against terrorism, and we are taking those efforts forward. As far as what you mentioned about "talks and terror" is concerned, obviously talks and terror cannot go together.

Keshav, you had two questions. Regarding your observations about the CSIS report, I will refer to both.

First, on certain imputations. India's position on this particular issue has been clear and consistent, and we have spoken about it on several occasions in the past as well. We categorically reject such baseless imputations. India is a democracy that adheres to international norms and respects the sovereignty of other nations. It is not our policy to interfere in issues of other countries. We believe that any concerns of this nature should be addressed through established mechanisms, rather than through politicized or public narratives.

On your other question, where the CSIS report mentions that Canada is being used by certain groups to promote violence against India, we have consistently spoken out about concerns regarding the use of Canadian territory as a safe haven by extremists and separatists.

The CSIS assessment acknowledges the presence of supporters of the Khalistan separatist movement in Canada, and notes that Canada-based Khalistani extremist groups continue to pose national security threat not only to India but also to Canada. It further highlights that such elements misuse democratic freedoms and institutions to promote extremism and raise funds that are diverted towards violent activities. India has repeatedly urged the Canadian authorities to take effective action against anti-India elements operating from its soil. This includes addressing the issue of glorification of violence, threats against diplomats and leaders, vandalism of places of worship, and attempts to promote secessionism through so-called referendums.

Yeshi, on the Lipulekh issue, we have already made a statement. This is not new. Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has been happening since 1954 through this route, so that is where it is. It is not a new development and I would refer you for more details to the statement that we issued.

Ayushi Agarwal, ANI: Sir, good afternoon. This is Ayushi Agarwal from ANI. Sir, my question is regarding the upcoming BRICS Foreign Ministers' meeting which is expected to take place in mid-May. How many countries have confirmed their participation? We have seen confirmation by the Russian side, but have we also heard from the Iranian and the UAE government as well on their participation?

Huma Siddiqui, StratNewsGlobal: Sir, my question is also on the BRICS, if there is any confirmation from Bolivia? It says that Bolivia has been invited for the BRICS Foreign Ministers; and any other country from the ASEAN region?

Suhasini Haider, The Hindu: Suhasini Haider from The Hindu. You know, you have just spoken about the response to Bangladesh for its comments. They were actually also responding to a comment by the then Assam Chief Minister Mr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, who said that he was pushing people over the boundary, and said if I want to send them back officially I will have to approach the MEA. The MEA will then send details to Bangladesh, and then suggesting that the MEA was taking a lot of time in doing this, so he said it was easier to push back people across the border. Is that something the MEA has raised with the Chief Minister?

Kavita Joshi, Haribhoomi: Sir, main Kavita Joshi hoon Haribhoomi newspaper se. Sir, mera sawal Nepal ko lekar hai, jaise abhi Nepal ne kuch din pehle Lipulekh, Kalapani aur Limpiyadhura jaise jo teen jagah hain, unpar apna dawa jataya hai. Aur doosri taraf abhi kuch media reports mein aisa kaha ja raha hai ki Nepal ki taraf se West Asia crisis ko dekhte huye fertilizers ko lekar Bharat ke saath government-to-government agreement kiya gaya hai. Toh sir, aisa koi agreement hua hai aur hum kitna matlab metric ton fertilizer Nepal ko kya hum de rahe hain? Ispe thoda sa clarity agar aap bata payein. Thank you.

[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, I am Kavita Joshi from Haribhoomi. My question is regarding Nepal. A few days ago, Nepal reiterated its claim over three areas-Lipulekh, Kalapani, and Limpiyadhura. On the other hand, some media reports are saying that, in view of the West Asia crisis, Nepal has entered into a government-to-government agreement with India regarding fertilizers. So, has any such agreement taken place? And how much fertilizer, in metric tons, is India supplying to Nepal? If you could provide some clarity on this. Thank you.

Sanjeev Trivedi, News24: Sir, main Sanjeev Trivedi News24 se. Kya Ameriki Videsh Mantri Marco Rubio ki Bharat yatra hone wali hai? Mera sawal yeh bhi hai ki kya Bharat mein Quad Foreign Ministers ki baithak hone wali hai?

[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, I am Sanjeev Trivedi from News24. Is the visit of the American Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, to India going to take place? My question is also whether a meeting of the Quad Foreign Ministers is going to be held in India.

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: So Ayushi, first to BRICS Foreign Ministers' meeting. Well, India, we are the chair of BRICS this year, so we will be holding several meetings, including Foreign Ministers' meeting. As far as the confirmation and dates etc. are concerned, we shall be giving you an update on both these aspects at the appropriate time.

Huma, your question was again … we have invited BRICS countries and partner countries and others and we will be giving you an update in this regard as to the participation, who are the countries participating or will be participating in these meetings.

Suhasini, coming to your question, my response was on the comments made of this nature by several people. It is important that we understand the background of these comments, and there you must focus that there is a core issue which needs to be looked into, and I gave you details of the Bangladeshi illegal immigrants whose data we have shared with the Bangladeshi side for their confirmation of their nationality so that in a smooth manner people can be repatriated. And we expect that Bangladesh will take due action in this in this regard so that we can proceed with repatriation of illegal foreign nationals who are here in a smooth manner and as per established mechanisms. So, that is the background in which you must take these comments.

Kavita aapka sawal Nepal ko leke hai. Dekhiye Nepal pe jo Lipulekh aur Limpiyadhura aur unka jo ullekh kiya tha, khas kar Lipulekh ka, to Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is raste se 1954 se chal raha hai. Aur ye koi nayi cheez nahi hai. Aur hum logo ne ye bada saaf apne statement mein kaha ki is prakar ki jo unilateral aur artificial enlargement ki jo baat ki ja rahi hai, ye dawa theek nahi hai. Baki jitne bhi mudde hamare Nepal ke beech mein hai, uske liye hum baith kar charcha karne ke liye taiyar hain aur usmein agar boundary ka bhi kuch masle hain to us pe bhi baith kar ke hum log charcha karne ke liye taiyar hain. Lekin ye ek tarfa dawa karna ki falana cheez hamara position is pe sahi hai, ye mere khayal se ye tarika theek nahi hai, sahi nahi hai, aur agar kuch masla hai to usko hum baith ke baat kar sakte hain.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] The other question was from Kavita regarding Nepal. Look, regarding Nepal and the mention of Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura, especially Lipulekh, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has been taking place through this route since 1954, and this is not something new. We clearly stated in our statement that the kind of unilateral and artificial enlargement being talked about is not a valid claim. As for the other issues between us and Nepal, we are ready to sit and discuss them, and if it includes any boundary-related matters, we are also prepared to discuss. But making one-sided claims that a particular position is absolutely correct, in my view, is not the right approach. If there is any issue, we can sit together and talk about it.

Fertilizer dekhiye Nepal aur Bharat ke beech mein bahu-ayami rishte hain. Aur adan-pradan dono deshon ke beech mein chal raha hai. Pehle kuch din pehle baat aayi thi tel ka. Tel mein bhi jo hum log dono deshon ke beech mein jo cooperation agreement hai, uske tehat unko urja muhaiya karaya ja raha hai aur fertilizer ke liye bhi kyunki hamare dono deshon mein ghanishth rishte hain hum aur is rishton ko aur mazboot karna chahte hain, unko agar fertilizer ki jo apurti karni hai wo hum karenge.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Look, there are multidimensional relations between Nepal and India, and exchanges between the two countries continue in many areas. A few days ago, the issue of oil had come up. Even in the case of oil, under the cooperation agreement between our two countries, energy supplies are being provided to them. Similarly, regarding fertilizer, since our two countries share close relations and we want to strengthen these ties further, if fertilizer supplies are needed, we will provide them.

Sanjeev aapka sawal videsh mantri, Amriki videsh mantri ko leke hai. Dekhiye in sabhi maamlo mein videsh mantri ka maamla ho, bahar ke videsh mantri ka maamla ho ya koi aur is prakar ka manch ho jo hum yahan ayojit karenge iske baare mein sahi samay par upayukt samay par aapko jaankari di jayegi.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Sanjeev, your question is regarding the External Affairs Minister and the American Secretary of State. Look, in all such matters - whether it concerns External Affairs Minister, or other Foreign Ministers, or any other such forum that we may organize here - information about it will be shared with you at the appropriate time.

Raghvendra Verma, German television ZDF: Raghvendra Verma from German television ZDF. Sir, there were reports that the Iranian ships to avoid US blockade might be taking routes through Pakistani territorial water and then Indian territorial water. My question, is there need to be some special permission sought from the Indian authorities to do that, and is that happening?

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: See if you ask me about Indian ships that are in the Strait of Hormuz or in the Persian Gulf I can give you an answer. Now you ask about Iranian ships. Obviously, if ships of other countries want to ply in international waters, for that no permission is required. But to your specific question that they have want to come into Indian waters, this is something that Ministry of Shipping or people who look after technical issues will be able to give you an answer on.

Smita: Just to follow up on your answer only what is the status really in terms of the communication with Iranians when it comes to the ships that are still stuck in the Strait of Hormuz? If you could share an update, because the Iranians have also floated the idea of the Persian Gulf Strait Authority. There's a lot of interviews in which the leaders have been saying that all countries will have to pay a certain toll, transit fee. If you could explain on whether there's been any movement forward in terms of our communication with the Iranians?

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Thank you. We have had forward movement, and as a result of forward movement and our diplomatic engagement and conversation with the Iranians, we have had so far eleven Indian ships which have exited the Strait of Hormuz. Thirteen ships continue to be there in Persian Gulf and we continue to be in touch with Iranian authorities so that the remaining ships can also cross Strait of Hormuz and come to India which is their destination.

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

New Delhi
May 07, 2026