Kumar Bahukhandi
Randhir Jaiswal, Spokesperson, Ministry of External Affairs – Photo: ANI
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that we were informed by the US administration about some US activities and funding. This is extremely disturbing. Foreign interference in India’s internal affairs is worrying. The concerned departments and agencies are investigating the matter. It would be premature to comment publicly at this time.
US President Donald Trump has made a statement about US funding in the Indian elections. The Foreign Ministry has responded to this. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that we were informed by the US administration about some US activities and funding. This is extremely disturbing. Foreign interference in India’s internal affairs is worrying.
He said that the concerned departments and agencies are investigating the matter. It would be premature to comment publicly at this time. Officials are looking into it and hopefully we will be able to give an update on it later. President Donald Trump had said that why do we need to give $21 million to increase voting percentage in India? I think they (Biden government) wanted someone else to be elected in the election.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that whether SAARC was discussed or not. When the Foreign Minister met the Foreign Advisor of Bangladesh in Muscat, this matter was raised in the Foreign Affairs meeting on behalf of Bangladesh. Everyone in South Asia knows which country and which activities are responsible for disrupting SAARC. The Foreign Minister said that it is important that Bangladesh should not normalize terrorism.
Bilateral relations discussed between India and China
He said that the Foreign Ministers of India and China reviewed the developments in bilateral relations since the last meeting in November. In particular, management of peace and harmony in border areas, Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, flight connectivity and travel facilities were discussed.
On Russia-Ukraine relations, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that the Foreign Minister held a meeting with the Russian Foreign Minister during the G-20 Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Johannesburg. They naturally discussed all aspects of India-Russia bilateral relations and they also discussed recent developments related to the Ukraine conflict.
On the fifth generation fighter aircraft acquisition, he said that the India-US joint statement mentioned that the US side is reviewing its policy of issuing fifth generation fighter aircraft to India. President Trump also mentioned the F-35 aircraft during the press conference. No formal acquisition process has been initiated from our side for the fifth generation fighter aircraft yet.
On the death of a Nepali student in KIIT, Odisha, the Ministry of External Affairs said that we are deeply saddened by the tragic death of the Nepali student. We express our heartfelt condolences. The Government of India attaches high priority to the safety, security and welfare of all international students in the country. The Ministry of External Affairs has been in constant touch with the Odisha government and KIIT authorities since the situation came to light. We have also maintained close contact with Nepalese authorities.
Statement of Turkey President not accepted
On the comments of Turkey President Erdogan on Kashmir, the Ministry of External Affairs said that we reject such objectionable comments to India. We have lodged strong protest with the Ambassador of Turkey. Such inappropriate statements on the territorial integrity and sovereignty of India are unacceptable. Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India. It would have been better if Pakistan’s policy of using cross-border terrorism against India, which remains the biggest threat to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, was stopped.
