Transcript of Weekly Media Briefing by the Official Spokesperson (September 19, 2025)

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson:Good afternoon friends, let's open the session. I open the floor for questions from your side.

Aditya Raj Kaul, NDTV: Sir, Aditya Raj Kaul from NDTV. I want to begin by asking you about the recent meeting between the chief negotiators of US and India on the trade talks. Has there been a decision made on the sixth round of talks? What are the discussions right now to finalize the trade deal?

And the second question, sir, on the recent videos from Pakistan coming in, of Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba from Muridke and Bahawalpur. What does this convey? The Operation SINDOOR success or Pakistan again mushrooming terror groups against India?

Madhurendra, News Nation: Sir, Madurendra, main News Nation se. Jis tarah se Pakistan ne Saudi ki Suraksha ki guarantee li hai aur dono deshon ke beech jo hai strategic relations establish hue hain, Bharat is sambandh ko kis najariye se dekhta hai? Agar in dono ke pact ko India ne read kiya ho to uske baad aapka bayan kya hoga?

[Approximate Translation:Question in Hindi] Sir, Madurendra from News Nation. The way Pakistan has taken a security guarantee from Saudi Arabia, and the strategic relations that have been established between the two countries - how does India view this relationship? If India has read this pact between the two, what would be your statement after that?

Sidhant Sibal, WION: Hi sir, Sidhant from WION. Sir, there are assessments that the terror camps which were destroyed under India's Operation SINDOOR are now being rebuilt and they are being moved to certain other provinces including KPK.

So, what is India's assessment? In fact, we know that there is a rally that happened on 15th of this month where a terrorist was trying to recruit more people. So, what is your view on that?

Niraj Kumar, News18 India: Sir, Niraj hoon News18 India se. America ne Chabhar bandargaah par jo faisla liya hai, usse Bharat Iran ki pariyojana pe kya asar padne ki ashanka hai?

[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, this is Niraj from News18 India. With America having imposed sanctions on the Chabahar port, what concerns does India have regarding the impact on its project with Iran?

Krishna Mohan Sharma, Bharat Express:Sir, Krishna Mohan Sharma, Bharat express se. Mera sawal hai ki Saudi aur Pakistan mein jo abhi defense deal hua hai to kya ye Saudi nuclear proliferation deal mein hamare partner hai ya abhi us pe baat honi baki hai sir?

[Approximate Translation:Question in Hindi]Sir, Krishna Mohan Sharma from Bharat Express. My question is, regarding the recent defense deal between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. Does this make Saudi a partner in the nuclear proliferation deal with us, or is that matter under discussion, sir?

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: So let me first turn to Aditya. Your question regarding the trade talks.

All of you here are aware that we did have a delegation from the United States led by the Assistant USTR Brendan Lynch. He had meetings with senior officials in the Ministry of Commerce. That was on 16th of September, to take forward the ongoing negotiations for a trade deal with the United States. These discussions have been positive and forward looking covering various aspects of the trade deal, and it was also decided between the two sides to intensify efforts to achieve early conclusion of a mutually beneficial trade agreement.

On your second question regarding the video that you talked about. Aditya, you know, on terrorism matters we are very clear. The world is aware of the nexus between the terrorists and the Pakistani state and military. Such statements make it even more glaring. So, this is how we look at the visuals that you talked about.

Madhu, Saudi Arabia ko leke. Dekhiye, Saudi Arabia ke sath hamari ek samarik sajhedari hai, strategic partnership hai, bahu ayami hai aur hal hi ke dino mein is pe kafi mazbuti bhi aayi hai. Hamara yah ummid hai ki hamari jo samarik sajhedari hai Saudi arab ke sath wo apasi hiton aur sanvedansheeltao ko dhyan mein rakhte hue rakha jayega, is partnership ke antargat, is saajhedari ke antargat.

Uske alava aapne dekha hoga ki hum logon ne jo bayan jari ki hai, ek vaktavya nikala tha hum logon ne, is Saudi Arabia aur Pakistan ke beech mein jo mutual defense pact hua, uske baad. To us pe bhi main aapka dhyan akarshit karna chahunga.

[Approximate Translation:Answer in Hindi] Madhu, regarding Saudi Arabia - as you know, we have a strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia. It is multi-dimensional, and in recent times it has strengthened considerably. Our expectation is that our strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia will be pursued keeping in mind mutual interests and sensitivities, within the framework of this partnership.

Apart from that, you must have seen the statement we issued after the mutual defense pact between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, and I would like to draw your attention to that as well.

India and Saudi Arabia, we have a wide ranging strategic partnership which has deepened in the last several years considerably. We expect that this strategic partnership will keep in mind mutual interest and sensitivities.

Sidhant, on terrorism, you know our point. You know very well that we all have to fight cross-border terrorism and terrorism. In each and every document that comes out of a multilateral arena, whether it is BRICS or SCO or anywhere else, you see the kind of support that is there to fight international terrorism. And in fact, there is reference to fighting cross-border terrorism as well. So, we call upon the world that we have to strengthen and intensify our efforts to deal with terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

Niraj, Chabahar pe jo Ameriki vaktvya aaya hai jismein ki unhhone jo purane waiver diye the usko unhhone revoke kiya hai. Hum log isko abhi iski study kar rahe hain, isko examine kar rahe hain, ki kis prakar se hamare upar iska prabhav padega, Bharat ke upar kaise prabhav padega.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Niraj, regarding the U.S. statement on Chabahar, in which they have revoked the earlier waiver that was given. We are currently studying and examining this, to assess what kind of impact it will have on us, and how it will affect India.

See, you would have seen the press statement which was issued by the US side yesterday on revocation of sanctions waiver that applies to Chabahar port. We are presently examining the implications that this revocation has for India.

Krishan Mohan aapka sawal bhi Saudi arab ke upar tha, dekhiye main ne bataya ki jaise ki hamare aur Saudi Arabia ke beech mein ek samarik saajhedari hai aur hum chahte hain aur yah hamara ummid hai ki yah samarik saajhedari dono deshon ke jo apasi hith hai aur apasi sanvedansheelta hai unko sath mein leke aage badhegi.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Krishan Mohan, your question was also about Saudi Arabia. As I mentioned, India and Saudi Arabia share a strategic partnership, and it is our hope and expectation that this strategic partnership will continue to advance, taking into account the mutual interests and sensitivities of both countries.

Huma Siddiqui, The Financial Express: Sir, there are reports related to Saudi and Pakistan defense pact that UAE and Qatar are also planning to join this pact. So is India talking to those two countries?

And my second question is that: is India hosting Taliban leadership later this month?

Yeshi Seli, Business India: This is Yeshi Seli from Business India. President Trump in the UK had mentioned that the US is considering going back to establishing Bagram base in Bagram in Afghanistan and the Taliban has naturally objected. Does India have anything to say on that considering the fact that we are also now having trade ties, reestablishing our association with China. And, the US wants to do this to counter China.

Alex Travelli, The New York Times: Alex Travelli, The New York Times. I was wondering, there was a phone call yesterday before Nepal's National Day. India expressed its full support for Nepali people in this political transition, and any other support that may be forthcoming. I wonder if we could say what kind of help India is prepared to give to Nepal during this transition period.

Agni Roy, ABP:Sir, this is Agni from ABP. My question is, is there any possibility of in-person meeting between US President and Indian Prime Minister during the upcoming ASEAN Summit in Malaysia? Thank you.

Samira Hussain, BBC News:Samira Hussain with BBC News. I'm wondering given there's been a somewhat softening of the language between the Prime Minister and with President Trump… they enjoyed some warm birthday greetings. Is it possible that he's going to … the Prime Minister will reconsider going to the UN General Assembly next week?

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay. So first Huma, your question regarding whether we're having conversation with UAE or not or with Qatar or not. Recently, we had a telecon between the Emir of Qatar and the Prime Minister, you would have seen that readout. We also have regular consultations with UAE, the Minister of State for Foreign Relations, she was here and our Foreign Secretary met and discussed all that encompasses India-UAE ties and very expansive ties, let me tell you. So these conversations continue to happen, and for more details, I would like to refer you to the Press Releases that we issued.

On Afghanistan, our engagement with Afghan authorities. Like we have said before, our engagement with Afghan authorities continue, and if and when we have an update in that regard, we'll surely share with you.

Yashi, your question regarding Bagram base. Look, this is an issue between United States and a third party, so it's a question which will be best answered by the spokesperson of either of the two countries.

On, Alex, your question regarding Nepal. You would have seen, when the new interim government happened in Nepal, we issued a statement. We welcomed the new interim government. Post that, we had a tele-conversation between our Prime Minister and Prime Minister Karki, where we have reiterated and reaffirmed our steadfast support to Nepal, that we'll ensure all support in terms of establishing peace and stability. We are, as a development partner, as a fellow democracy, and as a close neighbor, we have extended all support to Nepal, so that there is early restoration of peace and stability in the country. And, it is a relationship where we'll be working together for the progress and prosperity of the peoples of the two countries.

Nepal ke jo gatividhiyan abhi hui, jo waha par virodh pradarshan hua, aur uske baad waha nayi sarkar aayi hai, us par hum logon ne ek vyaktavya jari kiya hai, aur shayad aapne us vyaktavya ko dekha bhi hoga. Humne waha par jo nayi antarim sarkar bani hai, uska hum logon ne swagat kiya hai. Aur swagat ke baad, aur is vyaktavya ke baad, kal ki baat hai, mere khayal se, pradhan mantri ki pradhan mantri Karki se baat hui. Aur ye baat-chit bade garamjoshi ka bhara tha. Aur us dauran humne ye reaffirm kiya hai ki Bharat, Nepal ko jo waha par shanti aur sthirta lane mein jo bhi madad hoga, usko support karta hai. Aur ek padosi ke nate, ek loktantrik desh hone ke nate, aur sath hi sath jo itne arse lamba hamara development partnership chala hai Nepal ke sath, jo partner hum hai Nepal ke, iske nate Bharat Nepal ki aur waha ke logon ke liye aur hamare desh ke logon ke liye, dono deshon ke logon ke bhalai ke liye kam karta rahega.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi]On the recent developments in Nepal, the protests and the subsequent formation of a new government, we have already issued a statement. Which many of you might have already seen. We have welcomed the formation of the new interim government in Nepal. Following that, yesterday, Prime Minister had a warm and cordial conversation with Prime Minister Karki. During the discussion, the Prime Minister reaffirmed India's support for Nepal in its efforts towards restoring peace and stability.

As a close neighbor, a fellow democracy, and a longstanding development partner, India remains committed to working with the Government and people of Nepal for the mutual benefit of our two countries and our peoples.

Agni, your question. Look, these are meetings, that you're talking about, which are to happen sometime… We still are some distance away from those conferences, etc. We will surely keep you updated of our participation, and what that entails in terms of engagement between leaders. We will keep you informed at the appropriate time.

On Samira, again your question regarding our participation on UNGA etc. Let's wait for our Press Release, where we will announce our participation in these events. As far as India-US relationship is concerned, let me tell you that we remain committed to take this very special partnership - the Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership that we have with the United States forward, and to newer heights.

Neeraj Kumar Dubey, Prabha Sakshi:Sir, namaskar main Neeraj Kumar Dubey, Prabha Sakshi se. Sir, America mein ek Bhartiya engineer ko police ne goli mar di, jisse unki maut ho gayi hai. Uske parivar ka kehna hai ki MEA se sampark kiya hai taki body vagaira laayi ja sake. Aur us vyakti ne apne aakhri social media post mein nasliye bhedbhav ka bhi ek zikr kiya hai America mein, jinki maut hui hai. Toh us par kya pratikriya hai, sir?

[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi]Sir, namaskar. I am Neeraj Kumar Dubey from Prabha Sakshi. Sir, in America an Indian engineer was shot and killed by the police. His family says they have contacted the MEA to arrange for the return of the body, etc. In his final social media post he also mentioned racial discrimination in America. What is the reaction to this, sir?

Pranay Upadhyay, Aaj Tak / India Today:Sir, Pranay Upadhyay, Aaj Tak / India Today se. Aapne hal hi mein Pakistan ke videsh mantri Ishaq Dar ka ek interview dekha hoga, jisme unhone kaha ki America ki taraf se ceasefire ke sath-sath ye prastav bhi diya gaya tha ki kisi teesre desh ke andar baat-cheet hogi, aur uske liye baad mein Bharat tayar nahi hua. Kya aap bata sakte hain ki kya is tarike ki koi baat-cheet hui thi America ke sath mein bhi, ki kisi teesri jagah ke upar baat-cheet ki sambhavna hai Pakistan ke sath?

Aur dusra sawal hai ki Canada ke andar Bharatiya uchayog ko lekar jo threat diye gaye hain, sath hi reports bhi aayi hain ki Bharat ke NSA ki taraf se baat-cheet hui hai Canada ke NSA se. To kya ise aap confirm kar sakte hain? Kya baat-cheet hui hai, aur Bharat ne kya apne concerns uthaye hain Canada ke sath, mission ki security ko lekar?

[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi]Sir, Pranay Upadhyay from Aaj Tak/India Today. You must have recently seen an interview of Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, in which he said that along with the ceasefire, the U.S. had also proposed that there could be talks in a third country, but India was not ready for that. Could you clarify whether any such discussions took place with the U.S., regarding the possibility of talks at a third location with Pakistan?

And my second question is regarding the threats reported against the Indian High Commission in Canada, along with reports that India's NSA has held talks with Canada's NSA. Can you whether these talks took place, and whether India raised its concerns regarding the security of its Mission in Canada?

Ileana, TASS News Agency: Good afternoon. Ileana from TASS News Agency. My first question is on the recent announcements, the recent words by UN Chief António Guterres who supported the reforms of UN Security Council, and he also supported the proposals to limit veto powers. So, what is your stance on these? What do you think about these proposals?

And secondly if you allow me please. Indian troops, Indian military contingent participated in the drills Zapad 2025. But, there were some kind of criticism from the West on the participation of Indian troops in these drills. So, what can you say about that? Thank you very much.

Nivedita, ABP Live:Nivedita from ABP Live. European Commission official Kaja Kallas said that India's participation with Russia in the military exercises, and the Russian purchase of oil could be a hurdle in the India-EU FTA talks. Could you comment on that please?

Suhasini Haidar, The Hindu: Suhasini Haidar, from The Hindu. I wanted to ask, you know, seven years ago India agreed to zero out its purchase of Iranian oil due to threats from the US. Now that the US is threatening India with sanctions over Chabahar, would India consider shutting down its operations through Chabahar port?

And just to follow up on Pranay's question on the talks between the NSAs of India and Canada, was the trial ongoing over the killing of Nijjar discussed, and what is the latest on that?

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: So, Neeraj, pehle aapka sawal. Ek hadsa hua hai California mein. Ek goli chali, jisme ek Hindustani nagrik hatyaat hue. Is mamle mein hum waha ke jo local authorities hain, sarkar hai, unse baat-cheet kar rahe hain. Hamari janakari ke hisaab se is par investigation, jaanch-padtal chal rahi hai. Aur aapne shayad dekha hoga ki waha ke police department ne bhi ek video jari kiya hai, jisme unhone bayan diya hai ki usme kya-kya andar issues the. Aur jis vyakti ki hatyaat hui, uske parivar se bhi hum log sampark mein jude hue hain.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi]So, Neeraj, regarding your question - an incident has occurred in California. A gunshot was fired, resulting in the death of an Indian citizen. In this matter, we are in communication with the local authorities and the government there. To our knowledge, an investigation is ongoing. You may have seen that the police department there has also released a video explaining the issues involved. We are also in contact with the family of the deceased.

See, there has been an incident in California. We are in touch with the family. We also understand that investigation is underway by local authorities. You would have also seen that the local police department, they have put out a video and a statement giving details of the circumstances. We are also in touch with the family and we will render all possible assistance in this matter.

Pranay, aapne jo sawal pucha. Dekhiye-jaha tak third party ki baat hai, iske baare mein hum logon ne bada spasht roop se pehle bhi kaha hai aur aaj bhi kahenge ki jo dvipakshiya mudde hain Bharat aur Pakistan ke beech mein, isme third party ka koi role nahi hai. Toh usko phir se main ek baar rekhankit karna chahta hoon aur spasht kar dena chahta hoon-there is absolutely no role for third party mediation in India-Pakistan issues.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Pranay, regarding your question - as far as the idea of a third party is concerned, we have clearly stated this before, and I will say it again today: on bilateral issues between India and Pakistan, there is no role for a third party. So I want to reiterate and make it absolutely clear - there is absolutely no role for third-party mediation in India-Pakistan issues.

On Canada-yes, you know it is the responsibility of the Canadian government, or the host government, wherever we are, wherever we have diplomatic establishments, to provide security. As and when there is a concern, we do take it up with the concerned side, in this case Canada, to ensure that there is adequate security of our diplomatic premises.

On Suhasini's question, yes, the NSA of Canada held talks with our National Security Advisor. I think it happened yesterday, 18th. This is part of the regular bilateral security consultations that happened between the two countries. It was also an opportunity and occasion for them to follow up on the discussions that happened between Prime Minister and Prime Minister Carney in Kananaskis, on the sidelines of G7 in Alberta, Canada.

Ileana, on UNSC reforms, see, this is a process which has been going on and a lot of conversations are happening. We ourselves, we are having this conversation in several forums, including in the G4 format. So, these conversations … and you know our position on UN Security Council reform, where we are, we have articulated it a number of times.

On the troops, on the military exercises, as regards our participation, as regards the objective of our participation on this Zapad exercise in Russia, I would say that please look at the Press Release that was issued by Ministry of Defense, I think on 9th September, that gives exact the details of participation, as to also the objectives behind it. I would also, at the same time, like to point out that several other countries, including NATO countries, such as United States, Turkey, and Hungary have also participated in this exercise as observers.

Nivedita, see, on military exercise, I told you, this is our position, we have military exercises, defense engagement with several countries. On our oil purchases, we have made our position very clear. You know what is the rationale behind it, what is the broad approach that we have taken on this particular issue.

As far as India-EU relationship is concerned, you know, recently they had issued a document. When the conversation happened between the President of European Commission and our Prime Minister, this particular issue also came up for discussion. Both India and the EU, as you know, we have a strategic partnership. We had this tele-conversation between President of European Commission and Prime Minister on 17th, where our Prime Minister conveyed appreciation for the new strategic EU-India agenda that has been opted by the EU. As the world's largest democratic forces, the two leaders, they also welcomed efforts towards further strengthening the India-EU strategic partnership for mutual prosperity, as well as for jointly addressing global issues, fostering stability, and promoting a rules-based order. The two sides are also presently engaged in negotiations for a balanced, ambitious, and mutually beneficial FTA and concluding a security and defense partnership as well.

Suhasini, on Chabahar, I have told you, we have seen this press statement which has come. We are looking at, and studying / examining its implications. On the NSA talks, I informed you where we are on that particular matter.

Kallol Bhattacherjee, The Hindu:Kallol Bhattacherjee, from The Hindu. You explained your position on Nepal, but you have not spoken about the election. They have pledged to hold election in March. So, any comment on that?

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson:You would have seen, after the conversation with the Prime Minister, as also earlier, we issued a statement. And, we also gave a readout to you on the Prime Minister's conversations. We have said that India is ready to continue working closely to further strengthen special ties between the two countries, and full support to Nepal. I underline, full support to Nepal, in its efforts towards restoring peace and stability, and for the progress of the people of Nepal. So, that is where I leave it. But we look forward to strengthening our ties with Nepal for peace and stability in that country.

Yeshi Seli, Business India: This is regarding Myanmar. Former councilor Aung San Suu Kyi is very unwell. Her son has been requesting the government to get external doctors. Has he or has anyone approached India to intervene to help because she is in very bad health?

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: I don't have information on this account. So, I will come back to you. But, I am hearing for the first time from you. We will come back to you.

Sandra, DW:Thank you, Sandra from DW. Question regarding baby Ariha Shah stuck in Germany's foster system. When the German Foreign Minister was here at the beginning of the month, Mr. Jaishankar said that substantial progress has been made. Is there any update to be shared? What is the status?

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Last time we had told you that there has been progress in the matter. This is a matter to which we attach a lot of importance. It was discussed when our Foreign Minister visited Germany.

As also, it was part of the discussion when your Foreign Minister visited India. The Embassy has been in touch with the foster parents of the child to see how best we can support her cultural upbringing. We have had several visits. We have also facilitated visit of the parents. Also, her visit to places of cultural importance and cultural exposure. We have had some progress in the matter as well. I shall update you on this matter with more details later.

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

New Delhi
September 19, 2025