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Transcript of the Virtual Weekly Media Briefing by Official Spokesperson (November 06, 2020)

November 07, 2020

Shri Anurag Srivastava, Official Spokesperson: Okay friends, welcome back. Resuming the briefing, I will start with a few announcements. The first is on the 20th Summit of the SCO Council of Heads of State. Prime Minister will lead the Indian delegation to the 20th Summit of the SCO Council of Heads of State which will be held in the virtual format on the 10th of November, and this meeting will be chaired by President Putin of the Russian Federation. This will be the first SCO Summit to be held in the virtual format and this is the third meeting that we will be participating as full members. You would recall that India was granted observer status of SCO in 2005 and in June 2017 we became full members. During the last one year under the chairmanship of the Russian Federation, we have been actively participating in various events and meetings, and if we look back over the last three years, we have maintained extensive engagement in all fields under the SCO framework and this includes promoting multilateral, political, security, economic, and people-to-people interaction in the region. SCO also provides us an institutional platform to engage with central asian states and to prioritize our economic and trade cooperation. You'd also recall that in the last SCO Council of Heads of State Summit which was held in Bishkek in 2019, PM had given his vision for SCO with the acronym "HEALTH", which is "H" for Healthcare Corporation, "E" for Economic Cooperation, "A" for Alternate Energy, "L" for Literature and Culture, and "T" for Terrorism Free Society, and "H" for Humanitarian Cooperation. So we have since pursued this vision, within the various activities of SCO. I would also like to inform you that we are going to host the SCO Heads of Government meeting on the 30th of this month in the virtual format, where Prime Ministers of SCO members would be participating.

The second announcement is on Foreign Secretary's visit to Maldives, which will take place from the 9th to 10th of November, and this visit will be the first high-level in-person interaction between the two sides since the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Foreign Secretary is scheduled to call on President Solih and he'll also have substantive discussions with the Ministers for Foreign Affairs, Defence, Finance, Economic Development, Planning, Human Affairs, Tourism and Youth and Sports. FS will also call on Speaker Mohamed Nasheed and will meet with other political leaders. As you would know, Maldives occupies a special place in our Neighbourhood First Policy, and this time tested and enduring relationship with Maldives has strengthened and deepened even further in recent months. India has also responded to Maldives in extending assistance in dealing with the Covid crisis. During his visit, Foreign Secretary will review the entire gamut of bilateral ties. He will also review the progress of ongoing bilateral projects. He will hold discussions on ongoing Covid situation, including our assistance to Maldives in the post Covid economic recovery. Foreign secretary's visit is testimony to the importance that India attaches to its relations with the Maldives and it is expected to lend further momentum to our cooperation.

And, finally an update on the Vande Bharat Mission. From 1 November, Phase 8 of VBM has been made operational. Under this phase, 1287 international flights have been scheduled to be operated during the course of this month, from 27 countries, reaching 21 airports across the country and repatriating an estimated 2.3 lakh persons. These include flights from among the 18 countries with which India has a bilateral ‘air bubble’ arrangement in place. Of the 1287 international flights, nearly 70% are from GCC countries, around 10% each from Europe and USA/Canada. The remaining flights cater to demand from South East Asia, the neighbourhood, Africa, Australia and Japan. In terms of numbers, as on 6 November, 21.57 lakh Indians have been repatriated through different modes of the Vande Bharat Mission.

Now, I'll move to your questions. I will request Yatin to take over.

Shri Yatin Patel, OSD (PR): Sir, first set of question is on USA. Uma Shankar from NDTV India has asked - "America ke rujhan bata rahe ki Joe Biden rashtrapati banne ja rahe hain. Pradhan mantri Narendra Modi ne Howdy Modi program mein Abki bar Trump sarkar ka naara diya hai. Biden ke rashtrapati banne ki soorat mein kya videsh mantralaya ko atirikt mehnat karni padegi, taaki Biden us naare ko Bharat ke saath rishton mein aade na aane de?"(Questioned in Hindi; Approximate Translation) America's trends are telling that Joe Biden is going to become President. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given the slogan that "This time Trump Government” in the Howdy Modi program. Will the Ministry of External Affairs have to work extra hard so that this slogan does not become an obstacle in the India-Biden relations? ” Akhilesh Suman from Rajya Sabha has asked - "it seems from the current trends that the Democrats may be having last laugh in the US Presidential elections. Would it impact the India-US bilateral relations? How is India preparing itself for the change?" Manas from PTI has asked - "with Joe Biden emerging ahead in the US Presidential race, how India is looking at the election results?" Is India preparing to do business with Democrat? Have India says the overall relations with the US going forward?" Shailendra from News18 has asked - "Ameriki chunav ke nateejo mein deri aur Trump ke court jane par koi reaction?" (Questioned in Hindi; Approximate Translation) "Any reaction on delay in US election results and Trump going to court?”. Jai Prakash from the Dainik Jagran has asked - "America rashtrapati chunav mein satta parivartan ke sanket mil rahe hain. Kya is sabhavit badlav se Bharat ke saath rishto par koi asar padega? Bharatiya videsh mantralaya, Bharat-America dwipakshiye sambandho ko agle paanch barson mein kahan dekh raha hai?" (Questioned in Hindi; Approximate Translation) "There are signs of change of power in the US Presidential Election. Will this possible change affect the relations with India? How Indian Ministry of External Affairs is looking at India-US bilateral relations in the next 5 years?”

Shri Anurag Srivastava, Official Spokesperson: See like you, we are also awaiting the election results. What I can tell you is that India-US relations rest on strong foundations and our relations encompass operation in every possible sphere, extending from strategic to defence, to investment, to trade, to people-to-people ties. The comprehensive global strategic partnership has very strong bipartisan support in the US and successive Presidents and administrations have raised the level of this relationship even higher.

Shri Yatin Patel, OSD (PR): Next set of question is on Chabahar Port. Suhasini from the Hindu has asked - "this pertains to the statements by the MEA in July this year, about India's continued engagement in Chahbahar-Zahedan railway line. On November 4, Iran announced that it has inaugurated the second part of the line from Chabahar, specifying that it is being constructed by Khatam al-Anbiya Construction to fulfil the MoU between Islamic Republic of Iran Railways and Esfahan Steel Company on the production of railways and will be completed totally by June 2021. Could the MEA please specify what part of this project India has been a part of till date? Are there plans for India to join the project at a later date?" Sandeep Dikshit from the Tribune has asked - "Iran has started work on laying the railway track from Chabahar Port. In view of talks at 2+2, is there any likelihood of India rejoining the connectivity project where it has successfully sent huge amount of wheat consignments from Chabahar by road to Afghanistan?"

Shri Anurag Srivastava, Official Spokesperson: I had provided detailed information on this project in July. And as of now, I don't have anything further to add to it.

Shri Yatin Patel, OSD (PR): Srinjoy from Times Now has asked - "Pakistan Prime Minister, Imran Khan has accused India of being fascist. Your comment please?"

Shri Anurag Srivastava, Official Spokesperson: Srinjoy, I think we should ignore such irresponsible statements. I don't think they should be dignified with a response. You know that it is an attempt to distract international and domestic attention from the enormous social economic and political problems that Pakistan faces.

Shri Yatin Patel, OSD (PR): Next question is from Prashant from Asia Net - "is there any update on the gold smuggling case from UAE? Also, is there any progress in the examination of protocol violations regarding Kerala Government's engagement with Red Crescent of UAE?"

Shri Anurag Srivastava, Official Spokesperson: Prashant you would know that one accused in the case has been arrested by NIA and our agencies are working on the case. The matter is presently under investigation. We are receiving the requisite cooperation from UAE authorities. The matter is under investigation, therefore, I would not like to comment on it further.

Shri Yatin Patel, OSD (PR): Shailendra from News 18 has asked - "Pakistani ne Kartarpur Gurudwara ka rakh rakhav, Pakistan SGPC se cheen kar PMU ko de dia hai jisme ek bhi Sikh samuday ka sadasya nahin hai. Kya Bharat ne aupcharik roop se is mudde par Pakistan se virodh jataya hai?" (Questioned in Hindi; Approximate Translation) "Pakistan has taken away the maintenance of Kartarpur Gurdwara from Pakistan SGPG and handed over to PMU which does not have a single member of Sikh Community. Has India formally protested against Pakistan on this issue?” Madhurendra from News Nation has asked - "Kartarpur Corridor ke management mein change kar Pakistan ne zaahir kar dia ki uska asli maksad is Corridor ko le kar kya tha. Bharat ne kadi pratikriya to jatai hai lekin uske aage kya kadam hoga?" (Questioned in Hindi; Approximate Translation) "Changing the management of the Kartarpur corridor, Pakistan has revealed what its real purpose was with this corridor, India has reacted strongly but what will be the next step” Sidhant from WION has asked - "India has protested change in Kartarpur Gurudwara management in Pakistan. Have we summoned Pakistani envoy to register our protest?"

Shri Anurag Srivastava, Official Spokesperson: You would have seen our earlier Press Statement on this. Today evening, the C’dA of the Pakistan High Commission was summoned and our strong protest was conveyed. It was also conveyed to him that this unilateral decision by Pakistan is highly condemnable and runs against the spirit of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor as also the religious sentiments of the Sikh community at large. We have received representations from the Sikh community expressing grave concern at this decision by Pakistan targeting the rights of the minority Sikh community in Pakistan. Pakistan is called upon to reverse its arbitrary decision to deprive the Sikh minority community it’s right to manage affairs of the Holy Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib. I will repeat this in Hindi. Apne hamara pichla bayaan dekha hoga aur Pakistan ka yeh ek tarfa faisla behad hi nindaniye hai. Yeh samast Sikh samuday ke dharmik bhawna aur Kartarpur corridor ke prati unke bhawnayon ke khilaaf hai. Pakistan dwara ki gai is tarah ki karyawahi unke dharmik alpsankhyak samudayon ke adheekaro ki raksha ke unke dawon ko ujagar karta hai. Aaj shaam Pakistan uchaayog ke prabhari ko talab kia gaya aur humne is karyawahi ka kada virodh darj kia. Iske saath hi saath humne unse is mann mani faisle ko palatne ko bhi kaha hai.

Shri Yatin Patel, OSD (PR): Subhajyoti Ghosh from BBC has asked - "there have been reports of attacks on Hindu families in Bangladesh's Comilla. Here in India opposition Congress too has urged the Government to take up the matter with Dhaka. What is the response from Government of India?"

Shri Anurag Srivastava, Official Spokesperson: Our High Commission and Posts in Bangladesh are in close contact with local authorities in Bangladesh. They have taken up this incident and we have been informed that the Bangladesh authorities look at this incident very seriously, and there the law enforcement authorities are investigating the outbreak of violence. They also continue to remain vigilant to prevent any untoward disturbances.

Shri Yatin Patel, OSD (PR): Sidhant from WION has asked - "India asked Saudi Government to take remedial measures on the note that show different territorial borders of India. Any reaction from Riyadh?"

Shri Anurag Srivastava, Official Spokesperson: Sidhant we have taken up this matter with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and we have been informed by them that they have noted our concerns.

Shri Yatin Patel, OSD (PR): Next set of question is on China. Nainima from The Print has asked - "are there plans to hold WMCC next week itself, now that military talks are taking place?" Srinjoy from Times Now has asked - "the eighth round of discussions are on in Ladakh. Do we see any signs of disengagement or de-escalation by the PLA?" Maha from CNN News18 has asked - "8 core commander meeting and 6 WMCC meeting have taken place since LAC crisis started in mid this year, why has there not been any progress in reaching status quo ante?"

Shri Anurag Srivastava, Official Spokesperson: As conveyed earlier, both sides continue to maintain close communication at the military and diplomatic levels to achieve complete disengagement along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The two sides are guided by the leaders’ consensus to jointly safeguard peace and tranquility in the border areas. We will continue to maintain the dialogue with the Chinese side to arrive at a mutually acceptable solution to the current situation along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh.

Shri Yatin Patel, OSD (PR): Next set of question is on Chinese visa. Prashant from Asia Net has asked - "how do you see China's decision to restrict entry of Indian citizens?" Similar questions from Shailendra from News18, Srinjoy from Times Now, Nainima from The Print.

Shri Anurag Srivastava, Official Spokesperson: We have seen the announcement by the Chinese Embassy and we understand that this is a temporary measure and changes can be expected in a timely manner. We also understand that the measure is not India specific and that similar measures have been announced for several other countries.

Shri Yatin Patel, OSD (PR): Sidhant from WION has asked - "anything on Kulbhushan Jadhav case?"

Shri Anurag Srivastava, Official Spokesperson: Sidhant we had conveyed our position earlier I think in the briefing in October, on the 15th, and I don't have anything further to add. What I will say that it is for Pakistan to address the core issues which concern this case.

Shri Yatin Patel, OSD (PR): Maha from CNN News18 has asked - "will Prime Minister Modi be participating in SCO Heads of State virtual meeting on 10th of November?" Similar questions from Sandeep Dikshit from The Tribune and Nainima from The Print.

Shri Anurag Srivastava, Official Spokesperson: I think Sandeep also wants to know about the BRICS and G20 Summit? Okay, so see on the SCO Summit, I've already briefed you about PM's participation. The other two summits, I understand are scheduled this month and we will at an appropriate time make an announcement regarding the participation.

Shri Yatin Patel, OSD (PR): Shailendra from News18 has asked - "aaj covid ko le kar videsh mantralaya Delhi mein anya desho ke rajdooton ko brief karnne wala tha. Is baare mein yadi koi jankari de payen?" (Questioned in Hindi; Approximate Translation) "Today the Ministry of External Affairs was going to brief the ambassadors of other countries in Delhi on Covid, if any information could be given about it.” Uma from Financial Express has asked - "which are the countries where India is giving medical supplies and medicines and beside the neighborhood which are the countries India will send vaccines and testing kits, etc? If more details can be shared on such a plan of testing and vaccine cooperation with Mexico, Brazil, Russia?" Archana from Bloomberg has asked - "how many nations have approached India for receiving vaccine supplies? Could you name them please? Who all will be part of the ambassador's delegation that will be given a tour of India's vaccine and diagnostic facilities in Pune, as mentioned by Secretary Shringla today? When is this trip planned?"

Shri Anurag Srivastava, Official Spokesperson: Firstly, I'll brief you in some detail on this briefing. See this briefing was organized earlier today and it was on the COVID-19 related issues for diplomatic missions and international organizations. Over 180 representative Heads of Missions and representatives of international organizations participated in the briefing, and to give you some context, since March 2020, India has been proactively engaging with partner countries in our joint fight against COVID-19 and this includes supply of medicines, diagnostic kits, and medical equipment. We have also organized online training programs for testing and case management as part of our vaccine development efforts and as this program has progressed we have organized training programs on clinical trials for neighboring countries in which nearly 90 experts from eight countries participated and we stand ready to expand these cooperation programs with other interested countries. The spirit guiding this program is what PM said in his address to the UNGA in September, which is that India's vaccine production and delivery capacity will be used to help all humanity in fighting COVID-19. So coming back to today's briefing, the participants were briefed by Member, Niti Aayog, the Principal Scientific Adviser to the PM, Health Secretary, Secretary Department of Biotechnology, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, DGCSIR, and there were also representatives from ICMR and Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Foreign Secretary was also present. And largely, the participants were briefed on our management of COVID-19, our vaccine development program, software and related issues of vaccine delivery system, and international cooperation in this regard. As regards the tour, this tour will be organized, I understand later this month. It is basically open for all Heads of Missions and representatives of international organizations and the participants will be visiting organizations in Pune where they can see firsthand institutions which are engaged in COVID-19 related research and vaccine development program.

Shri Yatin Patel, OSD (PR): Amiti Sen from the Hindu Business Line has asked - "the Government of Bangladesh signed an MoU with the Serum Institute of India to collect three crores shots of COVID-19 vaccines when it is produced. Is there any more information on this?"

Shri Anurag Srivastava, Official Spokesperson: Amiti, I think you're referring to the MoU which was signed between the Serum Institute of India and back Beximco Pharmaceuticals Limited, to get three crore doses of Sars-CoV-2 vaccine and essentially this is a commercial agreement between a manufacturer and a buyer. We are of course supportive of supplies of medicines and particularly vaccines to all friendly countries and priority of course are our neighboring countries. And this is of course dependent on availabilities, needs and supplies.

Shri Yatin Patel, OSD (PR): Madhurendra from News Nation has asked - "Nirav Modi case mein court ne kai sabooton ko sweekar kia hai. Nirav Modi ko Bharat lane ke liye kya koshishen chal rahi hain?" (Questioned in Hindi; Approximate Translation) "In the Nirav Modi case, the court has accepted many evidences, what efforts are going on to bring Nirav Modi back to India?”

Shri Anurag Srivastava, Official Spokesperson: Madhurendra ji, Nirav Modi ke maamle mein maine pichle hafte bataya tha ki unki jo bail application thi, 9 October ko unhone apply kia tha bail ke liye aur 26 October ko UK ke court ne isko kharij kar dia tha. Uske baad hearing 3 November ko inke case mein hui hai aur hearing mein dono side ne saboot pesh kiye. Next hearing date jo hai is samay 7 aur 8 January 2021 ki hai aur tab tak Nirav Modi jo hain judicial custody mein rahenge. Filhaal mere paas itni jaankari hai. (Questioned in Hindi; Approximate Translation) "Madhurendra Ji, In case of Nirav Modi, I had told last week that he had submitted his bail application on October 9 and this was rejected by the UK court on October 26, and after that the next hearing in the case took place on 3rd November and both sides presented evidence and the date of next hearing is fixed for 7th and 8th January 2021 and till then Nirav Modi will remain in judicial custody there. Are there any further questions?

Shri Yatin Patel, OSD (PR): No Sir.

Shri Anurag Srivastava, Official Spokesperson: Thank you. So this concludes the weekly briefing.

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