MEA-India Media Briefing: Gaza, Qatar, FTA, Myanmar refugee

Transcript of Weekly Media Briefing by the Official Spokesperson (November 16, 2023)

November 16, 2023

Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Very good afternoon to all of you. Thank you for joining us for this edition of the weekly media briefing. Before we begin, I have a small announcement, and then we can take a few questions. As you are aware, the second voice of Global South Summit is being held in virtual mode tomorrow. We have shared with you the themes of various sessions planned during the summit. The inaugural session led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will commence at 10 o’clock in the morning. This would be followed by four parallel ministerial sessions, beginning at 12.30 PM. These will include the sessions by Ministers of Foreign Minister, EAM, Education, Finance, and Environment. In the afternoon, four more parallel sessions, parallel ministerial sessions, are scheduled. These will begin at 4 PM. These will include the sessions, again, by EAM, as by the Ministers of Energy, Health, and Commerce. And finally, there will be a Leaders’ session, again, a concluding session, at 6.30 PM tomorrow evening.

Opening segments of each of these sessions will be live-streamed i.e. the intervention by the Indian participants, Prime Minister, and the Indian Ministers. And please follow us on our social media updates to exact live-stream links we will share with you. And we’ll try to bring you more updates once the event concludes. Okay, along with that, may I open the floor for questions? I saw your hand first, Siddhant.

Siddhant: Sir, Siddhant from WION. Sir, the question on the Indian nationals in Qatar. Any update? Have we got counsular access? Any more details?

Sahil: Sir, I’m Sahil from ANI. Sir, IDF has entered the Gaza City Hospital of Al-Shifa. What’s India’s position on that?

Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: On what? The hospital?

Sahil: Yes.

Neeraj: Sir main Neeraj Dube, Prabasakshi se. sir Myanmar me jis taraha ke halat hai bahut saare log Mizoram me bhag ke aaye hai. Alag alag reporte hai ki 2000 log bhag ke aaye hai. 5000 log bhag ke aaye hai. Kuch logo ko humne wapas bhi kiya hai. Koi exact aakada hai kya? Humne kya waha ke sarkar se baatchit ki hai iss mudde par?

[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Sir, I’m Neeraj Dube, from Prabasakshi. Sir, in Myanmar, there are many people who have fled to Mizoram. There are different reports that 2,000 people have fled. 5,000 have fled. We have also sent back some people. Is there any exact figure? And have we raised this issue with their government?

Speaker: Sir, on the 20th, the India-Australia 2+2 is happening. Can you tell us a little more about it?

Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: You are announcing it, right?

Speaker: Well, just checking. If I am, then that’s not so bad. Can you tell us what is going to happen? And what are the main issues under discussion?

Vinit: Vinit Dixit from News18. Sir, this is regarding the long-delayed agreement or free-trade agreement with the United Kingdom.

Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: UK FTA?

Vinit: Yeah, UK FTA. What has been the progress? Did this subject come up during Dr. Jaishankar’s visit to London, where he met Mr. Cameron?

Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Anything related to any of these? I can take it in one shot rather than come back. Mizoram, Myanmar.

Abhishek: This is Abhishek Jha from CNN News 18 sir. There are reports that some of the soldiers from Myanmar side, they had entered Mizoram, and then they were reportedly taken by Indian Air Force planes to the other side of the border from where they could go safely. Is it true, or what would you have?

Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Okay. Fair enough. Anyone else related to this? If not, let me take this round of questions, and then I’ll come back to you. Let me start with…actually let me start with you on the 2+2. Look, we do intend to host the 2+2 in the next edition of the 2+2, as you know the inaugural edition was last year. But we haven’t officially formally announced it yet, so if you permit, I’ll wait for that, and then we’ll be able to share a little more information on that. At this point, I don’t have any update. But as I said, it is our turn to host it, and we would like to host it very soon. But till it’s confirmed, let me not jump the gun.

Let me go on to the case…I think you asked about the FTA, Vinit ji. Look, External Affairs Minister himself spoke about it, so I don’t know what more I can add to that. Yes, he discussed this with the UK Prime Minister. I think he also discussed with the newly sworn in UK Foreign Secretary. There are discussions going on. EAM spoke about bringing it to a right landing spot. But if you want to know the exact status of negotiations, I would refer you to the trade negotiators. I don’t think it’s appropriate for us to comment on that. But yes, we are. I think both sides are engaged on this important issue to see if we can find a solution or a final question. As I said, that was a deadline you had put yourself, or media has put. I remember discussing this last year with Diwali deadline. As I said, it’s an important negotiation. These are substantive outcomes. And I think the UK side said it’ll take as long as it takes. So I think we’re engaged. And that is an important element of that.

Sahil, your question was specifically on Al-Shifa hospital. Look, this is not just…this is not about one specific facility. The issue is not about one specific facility. India has always underlined the need for civilian casualties to be avoided, for humanitarian law to be observed, and of course, to encourage any efforts to provide humanitarian relief to those caught in the conflict. We have also, on a larger issue, talked about efforts to de-escalate the situation, deliver humanitarian assistance, our concern at the increasing civilian toll. We had also talked about, how India had sent, I think, 38 tons of humanitarian relief material. We are looking to send more assistance. We have also condemned strongly, the horrific terrorist attack on October 7, and our zero tolerance for terrorism, and the need for immediate and unconditional release of the hostages. So yes, I would reiterate, as I said, our perspective on anything that can help humanitarian assistance.

On Qatar, I think, Siddhant, I answered this question at length. I think last week, this is a sensitive case, and the case is currently in a legal process there. As we mentioned, an appeal has been filed in the Qatar’s Court of Appeal. We are also engaged with the Qatari authorities on the matter, and we will, of course, continue to extend all legal and consular assistance. And I would again urge everyone not to engage in speculation, considering, as I said, the sensitive nature of the case, as well as the fact that the judgment in the entire process has been made confidential by the Qatari side.

Moving on to the issue of developments in Myanmar, there was, I think…Niraji, apka prasna bhi tha and Abhishek you had asked one specific element of that, right? Look, on that, let me again, break up the answers in a couple of parts. Let me just say, as a result of the fighting, I think it’s called Rikhawdar, area its opposite Zokhawthar on the India-Myanmar border in Mizoram, in the Chin state of Myanmar. There has been movement of Myanmar nationals to the Indian side. We are deeply concerned with such incidents close to our border. Our position on the ongoing situation in Myanmar is very clear. We want cessation of the violence and resolution of the situation through constructive dialogue. We reiterate our call for return of peace, stability, and democracy in Myanmar. Since the current conflict started, I think it was in 2021 in Myanmar, a large number of Myanmar citizens have been taking refuge in India. Local authorities in the concerned neighboring states have been handling the situation appropriately on humanitarian grounds. We have also been facilitating the return of those who wish to go back to their country, to that country, that is Myanmar. And of course, for specific details about Myanmar nationals who have crossed over to India, I would have to refer you to the concerned authorities.

Neeraj ji, Hindi mei aapne pucha tha, agar aap koi specific aakde janna chahte hai, wo aapko specific authorities se puchna padega. Par humare taraf se humei malum hai, jab se ye, iss round, iss daure ka, conflict jo chalu hua 2021 mei, kafi Myanmar citizens aa gaye the humare yahan, sharnarthi aye the. Aur humare jo wahan local authorities hai, humanitarian grounds pe jo bhi assistance de sakte hai, de rahe hai. Aur jo wapis jana chahte hai, wo gaye bhi hai. Unko bhi assist kar rahe hai. Par mei exact numbers keh nahi paunga, I think local authorities ispe baat kar rahe hai. Aur meine jaise abhi Abhishek ko kaha, ki humara jo rukh hai ya ravaiyya hai, is problem pe, ki hum chahenge ki waha peace aur stability wapis aye, aur democracy bhi. Aur stability waha rahe, aur ye violence band ho. Aur situation ka jaldi se koi solution nikle. Aur bilkul aise koi developments hote hai, toh humare ispe kafi concern rehta hai. Ofcourse humari border ke bagal mei ho raha hai aise developments.

(Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation) Neeraj you had asked in hindi…if you want to know specific figures, you will have to inquire with the specific authorities. However, from our side, we are aware that since the conflict in this round, began in 2021, many Myanmar citizens have come to our area. All those seeking asylum came, and our local authorities are providing assistance on humanitarian grounds. Those who want to return have also gone, and we are assisting them as well. However, I cannot provide the exact number; the local authorities are handling that. As I mentioned to Abhishek earlier, our position on this issue is that, we hope peace and stability return there, and democracy and stability prevail there. And an end to violence, and an early resolution of the situation. Whenever such developments occur, we are deeply concerned. Of course, developments like these are happening right next to our border.

Okay, who else had hands up? I’ll just come to you. Shashank, go ahead.

Shashank Matoo: Shashank Matoo with the Mint. Sir, just a question on Myanmar. We’ve had since 2021, according to UN estimates, $51 million in arms exports going to Myanmar. It’s come in for some criticism from the resistance groups in Myanmar, especially the NUCC. What is India’s position on supporting the SAC and the military government in Myanmar, particularly with military exports?

Rajeev: Hi, I am Rajeev from Malayala Manorama. Just wanted to ask about the Indian days who is sentenced to death in Yemen. Nimisha Priya. Now that the Yemeni Supreme Court has rejected her appeal, and everything depends on the President on granting the relief to her. So, what is the steps MEA has taken as directed by the Delhi High court? Just wanted to have the updates.

Aliyana: Aliyana, [Inaudible] [00:10:56] agency. Good afternoon.

Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Afternoon.

Eleana: Eleana TASS news agency. So, Russia and India held this week foreign office consultations. As we know, we saw your tweet. We read. So, detailed discussions took place. Can you please share maybe some more information? What were the details in these discussions? And particularly, I wonder if the sides discussed the highest level context, especially. So, can we expect, what context can we expect in the closet future, especially between our leaders? Thank you.

Shubhajyoti: Hi, Shubhajyoti from the BBC. Election schedule has been announced in Bangladesh last evening, and the main opposition party over there rejected it almost immediately. Now, on the earlier occasions, we have seen India actively pursuing all the political parties in Bangladesh, so that they take part in the election, and the election becomes more inclusive. What will be India’s position this time around?

Rishabh: Rishabh, from Times Now. Sir, we have seen new Khalistan threats in Canada at the Vancouver event as well.

Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Threats, you said? Threats? okay.

Rishabh: At the Vancouver event. For the life certificate, also, we saw Khalistani activists terrorists actually going ahead and disturbing the event. And we have also seen an attack on Indian community on the day of Diwali, while they were in Brampton. How does India see this, and has India taken it up with the Canadian government?

Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Okay, I think there’s some more hands. I’ll come around, another round maybe. Related, any related topic I am willing to take. Otherwise, I’ll come back to you.

Let me start with you, Rajeev, on the issue of the Indian national in Yemen. Look, as you know, we’ve been following this case, of course, and we are aware of the recent development that you alluded to. We are extending consular assistance, but since it’s a legal issue there, as well as, I think, its gone in the, as you said, Delhi High Court, I would not like to comment on those steps, but certainly we are in touch. We are extending whatever consular assistance we can, but do understand that this is a legal process in their country too, and we will see in whatever way we can continue with this process.

On the issue of foreign office consultations that you mentioned, Eleana, this was…of course, they did take place. As you said, through our tweet, as we highlighted that, I don’t have much to add. But let me just recap that we had this on the 13th of November. Both sides, of course, discussed a range of issues of mutual interest, including related to energy and defense cooperation. Both sides have engaged each other at various other levels also in order to take forward our special and privileged strategic partnership, and such exchanges will continue to further enhance the comprehensive bilateral ties. I don’t have much else to announce, other than what the two sides have already done, foreign office consultations, a useful mechanism to take stock of where we are and what more we can do. I certainly don’t have anything to…any update on any highest level contact that you mentioned.

Regarding Rishabh, you mentioned about developments in Canada. Look, I think you mentioned two different cases, quite separate. In fact, on the specific issue, as you mentioned, we have seen some misleading and inaccurate social media reports in this regard. You mentioned the one about a consular camp. Our High Commission and Consulates in Canada regularly organize consular camps. One such camp was organized near Vancouver on November 12th to provide life certificate to pensioners. The event was held successfully, despite attempts by a few radical elements to cause trouble. Our Consul General was not present at that site. We reiterate the need for nations to respect the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations so that our diplomats can discharge their diplomatic obligations.

As regards the event that you alluded to near Brampton or Mississauga in Diwali, look, I think that was more in the nature of an unrest between two groups. To be honest, I don’t think there has been any complaint that our Consulate has received. I saw some social media reports. We also understand that the authorities there are looking into that incident. So I don’t have anything further to add to that. But certainly, on the first incident, was involving the consular camp and I conveyed our position on that.

Shubhajyoti regarding your query. Election schedules. Look, I think we have been repeatedly highlighting our position on Bangladesh elections, as well as this is something that the Bangladesh people have to decide for themselves. And I think we said this on occasions I don’t really have an immediate update on that. You had asked what is our position regarding the rejection of it. Look, again, I don’t think it’s appropriate for us to comment on that. It’ll be up to the Bangladesh people and their democratic systems to work this out. I’m not sure in the past what we have done. I’m not sure I agree with what you said. However, I will leave it at that.

Shashank, your question again was on Myanmar. I don’t know how I would have slight disagreement with us propping up or supporting SAC. I don’t think that’s objective at all. It’s the government of Myanmar, you know, we have engagement on cooperation with them, the neighbouring country on various issues. And I think whatever actions we take are in the light of our interests and whatever else that guides our thing. We are certainly cognizant of our responsibilities and we keep in mind all factors in it. You quoted some figures. I’m not going to be able to comment on that. If you specifically on that topic, if you would like more information, I would refer you to the relevant authorities. I don’t think the MEA…but as I said, our position on developments in that country is something that’s a concern, of course, and we have been engaged to try to see how we can have a peaceful situation there.

Okay, let’s take a last round of questions. Kallol.

Kallol: Kallol from The Hindu. So, coming back to Bangladesh once again sir. You have repeated what the foreign secretary said last week about election being an internal issue for Bangladesh. But when we look at the news reports, we find various diplomats, especially of the western countries, Ambassador Peter Haas of the United States to begin with, is reaching out to all political parties, rather in an unusually activist manner. And he’s not the only one. And they are raising issues.

Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: You did say the US ambassador, right?

Kallol: Yes, I did, because he’s in the news pages.

Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: You’re asking the wrong person.

Kallol: Yeah, but I’m just making that point that, you know, with your position, you are very unexpectedly, you know, located with China and Russia.

Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Sorry, Kallol, you got to make it tighter. This question is going nowhere. So, what’s exactly your query?

Kallol: Just in 2 plus 2, you discussed…

Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: 2 plus 2?

Kallol: Yeah, in the 2 plus 2 dialogue.

Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: With the US?

Kallol: Yes, with the US. You discussed Bangladesh. And so it’s really looking like as if you have a difference of opinion on Bangladesh with the United States. So I was thinking if you would clarify, because it’s been written about in the Bangla press in Dhaka quite a lot, that there is apparent difference over Bangladesh and the election process, between India and the United States.

Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: And the Bangladesh position is not important? No, I mean, I didn’t understand your question. I’ll answer what I can. I got you.

Kallol: I hope you got it.

Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: I’m not sure, but I’ll try. Okay, I had a hand up here. Yeah, yes, please.

Takashi: Hello, I’m Takashi from the Japanese newspaper called [Inaudible]. My question is about the Voice of a Global South Summit. So the simple question is the issue of Israel and Palestine, will be also one of the topics during the summit? And does Indian government also have a willingness to more engage with for the more dialogue and the cessation?

Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Sorry, repeat the last part. Indian government willing to do what?

Takashi: Willing to do more support for the dialogue and then cessation between —

Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: You mean separate from the VOGSS or I mean separate from the Voice of Global South Summit or generally?

Takashi: Through Voice of Global Summit.

Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Okay, fair enough. Yes, go ahead.

Pia: Hi, Pia with ThePrint. Just a clarification on the case of the eight Navy veterans in Qatar. What is the status of the appeal? Has it been accepted, rejected? Are we still waiting for the Qatari court to provide a decision on this appeal? If you could just give a specific update on that. Thank you.

Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Before I take a second round of questions, Yeshi, go ahead.

Yeshi Seli: Yeshi Seli, from the New Indian Express. You know, there are 19 Indian schools in Qatar and the Qatari Education Ministry for this ongoing calendar year dropped Diwali as a holiday. This has been done for the first time. Is MEA likely to take it up or do you have any say in it at all?

Runjhun Sharma: Runjhun Sharma, RT. I want to ask about the Voice of the Global South Summit. How many participations are confirmed? How many countries?

Siddhant: Sir it’s last question. Sir, one on cricket diplomacy. Sir either India’s BRICS partner or Quad partner will be in the finals. Any of the leaders expected to travel to India because the South African president has expressed interest to travel to India to witness the match.

Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Okay. Let me try to answer these queries. Pia, let me start with your question. As I said, an appeal has been filed. I am not aware of any decision at all by the Court of Appeal in this regard. So I presume our appeal is there. I mean, the appeal on behalf of the detainees is in the process. I had seen some reports that they haven’t adjudicated or decided upon. I don’t think that’s actually correct. So yes, the appeal process is underway and we would hope for a positive outcome. On the issue of Voice of Global South Summit, there were a couple of questions. Runjhun, your query was how many? Look, we’ve had…on a virtual summit, I don’t want to comment. Even otherwise, I rarely comment on participation till people land up. But on a virtual summit, let me not prejudge how many will come. We have confirmations, a very large number of confirmations. We’ll try to bring you a real good updated figure once they are actually there. But I mean, as you know, last time we had about 125 countries to participate. That’s a good number to work around to. And that’s what I would start working around. But we’ve had good confirmation. So let’s see how many finally land up there.

Takashi, your query was regarding Israel-Palestine. As you would have seen in our, in the press release, if I probably have it here. When we said that this would be an opportunity, tomorrow’s summit, for sharing with the countries of the Global South, the key outcomes achieved in various G20 meetings over the course of India’s presidency. You would recall that during the first Voice of Global South Summit in January, this is one of the things that we did. A part of what Prime Minister had said, reach out, hear the voices of the Global South and see how we can mainstream that, give them more attention and put them on the high tables. I think we have been able to do that. And I think this is a good opportunity to tell members of the Global South, what has been really, developments over our presidency. Of course, the challenges posed by global developments are also likely to be discussed. As I said, every country is free to discuss whatever or bring or say something, what they feel, bothers them. That’s actually exactly the objective of such an exercise, is to hear from the countries directly, rather than pre-judge or prefix the objective. We have some session topics, depending on, of course, education, finance, etc.

But again, I am sure like in all high-level interactions, each participant will share their own perspective, their own concerns, and their own thoughts. And if the situation in Israel and Palestine does come up, anybody free to do so. As regards, whether we are encouraging or not…of course, we are, as he said, we would like to see and we welcome efforts, de-escalation, humanitarian assistance being going there. And we have also called for a two-state solution as, you know, resumption of direct negotiations towards that, and of course, as a long-term solution.

So, I think our position on that is very clear. But the objective of tomorrow, of course, is more of how to hear from countries of the Global South.

Kallol, on your…no, before that Yeshi. Look, yes, we have seen some reports on that. I will have to check these schools operate under the local rules and regulations. I know in some cases our Embassy has some role on the board, but they have to operate as per local rules. I am not yet in a position to confirm whether we will take it up or not, or whether action has been taken on this, or is this part of regular internal decisions. If I have any update on this, we will certainly come back to you.

Kallol, as I said, I was a little confused about the various strands of your question. Our position on what is developing Bangladesh has been articulated number of occasions. Thank you for confirming that I am in line with what my bosses have been saying. That’s where we are. I think it’s something for the people of Bangladesh to find out. Yes, it did come up in discussions, but so did many other topics with the US. As we mentioned, Foreign Secretary mentioned that…I wouldn’t be in a position to comment whether there is a difference of opinion. Our opinion, you know, very well. We are a neighbor. We have very, you know, a lot at stake what happens in our neighborhood. I’m sure other countries will have their own relationships with Bangladesh. And I certainly don’t know if that’s the right word to use, a difference of opinion. I haven’t, you know, we had a conversation and on the 2+2, I think Foreign Secretary has explained what happened. I don’t want to add to that anything particular.

Siddhant, the most difficult question is yours. Yes, we’ve seen some reports. As always, you know, we are hosting it. Anybody who is coming here to watch it, is welcome. But when you talk about a Head of State, I mean, I don’t want to go down the political side where there’s a visit, a formal visit. Yes, I like the term you used either a Quad partner or BRICS partner will be there. It’s nice. I, of course hope we win, but that’s a separate issue. If there is, if any of them come, we will certainly, they’ll be welcome and we will inform you at the right time. Thank you all for joining. Good evening.