Transcript of Weekly Media Briefing by the Official Spokesperson (May 02, 2024)

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Good afternoon friends. Let's begin this Press engagement. I open the floor for questions.

Madhurendra:Sir, Madhurendra main News Nation se. Sir, Bharatiya chunaav ke dauran jis tarah se dekha ja raha hai ki Pakistan ke neta aur khaas taur pe kai handles jo hain, wo chunaav ko prabhavit karne ki koshish kar rahe hain, aur jis tarah se mahaul khaas taur se social media ke jariye Bharatiya chunav me interference ka banaya ja raha hai, us par apka kya reply hai?

[Question in Hindi: Approximate Translation] Sir, this is Madhurendra from News Nation. Sir, the way it is being observed during the Indian elections that leaders from Pakistan, especially various handles, are attempting to influence the elections; and the atmosphere that is being created, especially through social media, to interfere in the Indian elections, what is your response to that?

Bramh Prakash:Sir, main Bramh Prakash Dubey hu India Daily Live se. Mera sawal ye hai ki haal hi me kuch aisi tasveere bhi saamne aai hain, ki Siachen ke paas jo hai najdeek China phir se sadake bana raha hai. Usko le kar kya jankari hai, kya jo vivadit kshetra hai, jo kabjaya huwa hai, kya usme sadake bana raha hai China. Thank you.

[Question in Hindi: Approximate Translation] Sir, I am Bramh Prakash Dubey from India Daily Live. My question is that recently some images have surfaced, that China is once again constructing roads near Siachen. What information do we have about it, and is China constructing roads in the disputed area, occupied area? Thank you.Neeraj: Neeraj News 18 se. Madhurendra ji ke sawal ko hi aage badha raha hu. Pradhan Mantri ne kaha hai ki Pakistan ki taraf se hastakshep kiya ja raha hai. Pakistan ke neta duwa kar rahe hain Congress jeete. Is tarah ka koi sanket aap log ke pas bhi hai?

[Question in Hindi: Approximate Translation] Niraj from News 18. I'm following up on Madhurendra ji's question. The Prime Minister has said that there is interference from Pakistan. Pakistani leaders are praying for the Congress party to win. Do you also have any such indication?

Sidhant:Hi Sir, Sidhant from WION. The USCIRF has released a report, mentioned about India. We know the contents, if you can react on that? And secondly, we have also seen the police storming the University, the Columbia University, the students being pulled out, the visuals we all have seen. What do you have to say on that?

Ayushi:This is Ayushi Agarwal from ANI. Sir, I would like to have your reaction on some reports by the Australian media, claiming that there were Indian spies expelled for allegedly trying to steal secrets in 2020 about sensitive defence projects and Canberra's trade relationship. What is India's comment on such reports?

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson:Okay. We have any more questions on this USCIRF report? So, let me first attend to these questions and then we will come back to more.

Madhu, apka sawaal election ko le ke hai. Jis baat ka aap jikar kar rahe hain, maine kuch is prakaar ka, abhi tak mere sangyan me nahi aaya hai. Toh ek baar mujhe iska, jo apne baat kahi uske bare me main thoda dekh leta hu. Uske baad main phir response apko dunga.

[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Madhu, your question is regarding the election. The issue you have mentioned, it hasn't come to my notice so far. Let me look into what you've said. After that, I'll give you the response.

Dubey ji apka sawaal Siachen ke aas paas me jo gatividhi chal rahi hai uske baare me tha. Toh shayad pichhle baar bhi ispe kuch baatchit hum log ki hui thi. Shayad aap nahi the yaha par. Ye Shaksgam waha waadi hai, usko le kar hai ye baat. Shaksgam waadi jo hai, Shaksgam valley, hum log maante hai ki ye humara kshetra hai.

[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Dubey ji, your question was about the activities happening near Siachen. Perhaps, we had discussed this matter last time as well. Maybe you weren't present here. This is regarding the Shaksgam valley. The Shaksgam valley, we consider it our own territory.

We have never accepted the so-called China-Pakistan Boundary Agreement of 1963 through which Pakistan unlawfully attempted to cede the area to China, and have consistently conveyed our rejection of the same. We have registered a protest with the Chinese side against illegal attempts to alter facts on the ground. We further reserve the right to take necessary measures to safeguard our interests.

Bramh Prakash:Sir, Hindi mein (in Hindi).

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Shaksgam waadi ki jaha tak baat hai ye humara apna, hum isko apna territory mante hain, apna kshetra mante hain. Humne kabhi ye sweekaar nahi kiya hai jo so-called, tathakathit Pakistan-China Boundary Agreement hai 1963 ka, usko hum logon ne kabhi nahi mana hai, jiske jariye Pakistan ne ye jo jamin hai waha ki, jo kshetra hai, usko China ke adheen kiya tha. Aur humne humesha iska khandan kiya hai. Humne apna virodh bhi jaari kiya hai China sarkar ke saath, China side ke saath ki aap jo jamini hakikat hai usko badalne ke kosish na kare. Aur hum humesha, we further reserve the right to take necessary measures. Jo humara apna mool jo humari jo interest hai usko hum safeguard karne ke liye har koshish karenge.

[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] As far as the Shaksgam valley is concerned, we consider it as our own territory, our own area. We have never accepted the so-called China-Pakistan Boundary Agreement of 1963, through which Pakistan unlawfully attempted to cede the area to China; and we have consistently conveyed our rejection of the same. We have registered a protest with the Chinese government, the Chinese side against attempts to alter the ground reality. We further reserve the right to take necessary measures to safeguard our interests.

Sidhant, regarding your question on USCIRF, that is United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, they had released their report 2024 yesterday. They have been releasing their reports earlier as well, in earlier years. The USCIRF is known as a biased organization with a political agenda. They continue to publish their propaganda on India masquerading as part of an annual report. We really have no expectation that USCIRF will even seek to understand India's diverse, pluralistic and democratic ethos. Their efforts to interfere in the largest electoral exercise of the world will never succeed.

Main isko Hindi me bhi aap logo ke liye rupantarit kar deta hu. Antarastriya Dharmik Swatantra par Ameriki Aayog yaani ki USCIRF ko, rajnitik agenda wale pakshpati sangathan ke roop me jana jata hai. Unhone vaarshik report ke hisse ke roop me Bharat ke bare me apna dusprachar prakashit karna jaari rakha hai. Hume vaastav me aisi ummeed jara bhi nahi hai ki USCIRF Bharat ke vividhtapurna, bahultawadi aur loktantrik mool bhawana ko samajhne ki koshish bhi karega. Unke dwara duniya ki sabse badi chunaavi prakriya me hastakshep karne ke liye kiye gaye prayaas kabhi safal nahi honge.

Uma Shankar ji maine khaas kar ke apke liye, kyunki aap kehte hain Hindi me bhi jara bataye.

[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] I'll translate this into Hindi as well for you. USCIRF, that is United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, they had released their report 2024 yesterday. The USCIRF is known as a biased organization with a political agenda. They continue to publish their propaganda on India masquerading as part of an annual report. We really have no expectation that USCIRF will even seek to understand India's diverse, pluralistic and democratic ethos. Their efforts to interfere in the largest electoral exercise of the world will never succeed.

Uma Shankar ji, I specifically mentioned this for you, because you ask for Hindi versions.

Ayushi regarding your question on the media reports in Australia. Look we really have no comments to make on those reports. We see them as speculative reports and we have no comments to make on them. So that is how we look at it. It's not our policy to do so, on such matters especially.

On Columbia University protest, Sidhant, we had already, in my last Presser, that time, we had made our views known to you. So I would refer you, if you could look at them. There were some questions regarding Indian students, etc. On that, so far no Indian students or their families have contacted us for any assistance in regard to disciplinary action which has been taken for their participation in the protest. But at the same time, we also want to say that we expect all our citizens at home and abroad to respect local laws and regulations.

Neeraj:Sir, PM ke bayaan par mera prashn tha.

[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Sir, my question was on PM's statement.

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Jis bayaan ka aap jikar kar rahe hain, usko mene thik se dekha nahi hai. Lekin ye election ka maamla hai, to ek baar main dekhta hu, aap kya kehna chaah rahe hain, phir wapas apke vaktavya pe main aaunga.

[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] I have not seen the statement you are quoting. But, this is about elections. Let me look at what you are saying, then I'll come back to you.

Yeshi: This is Yeshi Seli from the New Indian Express. What's the update on the 16 Indian sailors who are stuck in the ship MS Aries off the coast of Iran? And also there are reports saying that the job racket, you know, where people had applied for jobs in Bangkok and ended up being in Myanmar, working for fake cyber cells. There are some reports which suggest that some people have reached out to MEA for help. Is there any update on that?

Ileana:Good evening, Ileana, TASS News Agency. My first question is on the context between India and my country in the framework of chairmanship of Russia in BRICS. So what contacts are planned in the closest future, what can you tell us? And how, maybe, have these contacts activated in the framework of the chairmanship of Russia? And also, last month, there was information that 40 countries already applied for membership in BRICS. So do you have any information what are these countries? And what is India's approach towards the membership of this or that country, which maybe you can name? Thank you.

Pia:Pia with The Print. Sir my question pertains to suspended JD(S) leader Prajwal Revanna who is reportedly in Germany at the moment. Was he traveling on a diplomatic passport? And can you if the MEA gave him political clearance for such travel?

Pranay:Sir, Pranay Upadhyaya Zee News se. Mera sawaal isi se juda hua hai ki Prajwal Revanna ke case ko lekar Karnataka ke CM Siddaramaiah ne MEA ko ek chitthi likhi hai, jisme kaha hai unka passport radd kiya jana chahiye. To kya apko ye prastav prapt hua hai aur is baare me, koi action liya gaya hai. Dusri taraf SIT ki taraf se kya koi approach hua hai MEA ko. Kya Prajwal Revanna ko Germany me kahi locate kiya gaya hai, koi contact?

[Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Sir, Pranay Upadhyaya from Zee News. My question is related to the case of Prajwal Revanna. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah has written a letter to the MEA stating that his passport should be revoked. Have you received this proposal, has any action been taken? On the other hand, has there been any approach from the SIT to the MEA? Has Prajwal Revanna been located anywhere in Germany, any contact?

Srinjoy:Sir, first a clarification. You spoke about the Shaksgam situation. Now, are you referring to that four kilometer track that the Chinese have made with the possible intention of making it pucca and linking it to a labor camp? This is just a clarification. Secondly, Sir, as far as the invitation from the Swiss government to attend this Peace Conference on Ukraine on the 15th and 16th of June is concerned, the invitation has already reached the Indian government. Is the Indian government keen to take part and at what level? Because this comes right after G7.

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson:Okay, let me answer these questions. Yeshi, regarding 16 sailors, last time also, we had given an update that all these 16 sailors, we've been able to make contact with them. They are in good health, we had a consular access. As far as the return to India is concerned, it is dependent on several factors including their contractual obligations. So, this is where the situation is. There is no change as far as what the situation was last week and this week. But all of them are in good health and we are in touch with them. And we are in touch with the Iranian authorities also for their release.

On the issue of people going to Southeast Asia and Myanmar, specifically in Myanmar, there were three people who had contacted us. They wanted to be repatriated; they had gone there to work on certain IT projects. One of them has returned. We are in touch with the two other gentlemen and the Embassy there is working as to how they can get them released as early as possible. But at the same time, you would have seen that we have issued several advisories, where we have cautioned people who look for opportunities, employment opportunities abroad, that they should be careful when they are accepting employment from people, from agents who are not verified. You have to take proper care and not just sign off on contracts. So we would yet again, through you and through all of you, remind people who take up these assignments that they should be careful in their approach.

Ileana, regarding BRICS, yes, Russia is the new chair of BRICS and we look forward to participating in the various meetings. There was some BRICS program in St. Petersburg as well. We know of several other programs that have been drawn out all throughout the year. You will come to know of more details as and when we participate in the several segments that have been planned. As far as the membership of BRICS is concerned, it is for the BRICS members to take a decision on it. There are certain set guidelines of BRICS. All the BRICS members have to sit together and decide how to take things forward.

Regarding, Pia, your question on Member of Parliament. So, specifically on political clearance, no political clearance was either sought from or issued by MEA in respect of the travel of the said MP to Germany. Obviously, no visa note was issued either. No visa is required for diplomatic passport holders to travel to Germany. The Ministry has also not issued any visa note for any other country for the said Member of Parliament. The second question was regarding whether he traveled on a diplomatic passport. Yes, he traveled on a diplomatic passport.

Neeraj, isi baat ko main Hindi dohra raha hu, ki jo rajnitik clearance liya jata hai Ministry of External Affairs se, is travel ke liye, is visit ke liye, na ki humse manga gaya aur na humne koi issue kiya hai. Visa note bhi hum logo ne nahi diya, kyunki iski jarurat hi nahi padi. Jo diplomatic passport holders hote hain unko Germany ke liye visa nahi chahiye hota hai. Aur hum logo ne iske alawa koi aur desh ka unko visa note bhi nahi diya hai.

[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Neeraj, I am reiterating it in Hindi; that no political clearance was either sought from or issued by MEA in respect of the travel of the said MP to Germany. Obviously, no visa note was issued either. No visa is required for diplomatic passport holders to travel to Germany. Further, the Ministry has also not issued any visa note for any other country for the said Member of Parliament.

Pranay, dekhiye jaha tak diplomatic passport ko revoke ya radd karne ki baat hai kisi bhi vyakti ka, wo Passport Act jo humara hai 1967 ka, uske tahet hota hai. Aur uske tahet aap dekhenge, usme jo provisions hai usme direction aana chahiye court se. Tab ja ke wo radd hota hai. To abhi filhaal humare paas koi is prakar ka direction kisi court se nahi aaya hai.

[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Pranay, as far as the matter of revoking a diplomatic passport of a person is concerned, it comes under the Passport Act of 1967. And as per its provisions, a direction should come from the court. Only then it can be revoked. So far, we haven't received any such direction from any court.

Srinjoy, on your question regarding Shaksgam Valley, we have stated our position because this is a vexed issue. We have stated our position very clearly as to how we see developments in that part. Shaksgam Valley, it is our territory and we have been protesting as and when required. And we have always taken a very strong stand on it. Srinjoy: [Inaudible]

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson:It is in general developments that are happening there. So, we have seen some, few developments; so, in that regard. Regarding your question about the Peace Conference, we all aware that Switzerland is gearing to host a Peace Conference on Ukraine. As I mentioned this last time also, we are open to all ideas which can lead to early resolution or can lead to early attainment of peace. No other decision has been taken on that account as of now, as far as participation is concerned.

Rishabh:Good evening, Sir, Rishabh from Times Now. I have two questions. One from Canada. The Canadian Prime Minister has again made statements on allegations of assassination that he has been making since 19th of September last year. And the second from Myanmar. The first batch, as per the Chief Minister of Manipur, first batch of 'illegal immigrants' from Myanmar has been sent back. What's the update on that? He has just tweeted this like three hours ago from now.

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson:First batch of?

Rishabh:Illegal immigrants from Myanmar who had come to Manipur have been sent back is what the Chief Minister has tweeted. So, if we can have an update on that.

Shailesh:Good afternoon, Sir, this is Shailesh from National Defence. Sir, India-China military standoff is entering in fourth year. Do we have a time frame for negotiation or talks as we see 15 WMCC meetings had happened post Chinese intrusion or the military standoff and 21 Commander level talks. So, in case if there is no resolution, do we have any time frame? Then what would be our action?

Speaker:Thank you. This is [Inaudible]. My question is also related to China. Local medias in Maldives has reported that Chinese survey marine ship has returned to the waters of Maldives. So, what is the reaction or stance on this issue, of India?

Srinjoy:Sir, at this point, in the Indian Ocean, there are Chinese warships off Djibouti, off Durban, in Male, off Male, as was rightly said, off Seychelles, and South of Sumatra, as of today. This seems to be a little excessive, or is this something the Government of India would like to speak on? And these are major warships. There are destroyers here. There are frigates here. There are supply ships here. And of course, these spy ships also.

Dhairya: Sir, Dhairya Maheshwari from Sputnik India. Sir, I have a question regarding India-Nigeria Joint Trade Commission talks which took place after a gap of five years. Sir the statement said that there was a call for expediting the local currency trading arrangement. Now, does that cover the energy imports as well? Thank you, Sir.

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson:Rishabh, regarding Canada, you would have seen our Press Release that we made, when we summoned the Deputy High Commissioner, regarding an event that was attended by the Prime Minister where Khalistan slogans were raised. The other media engagement that you are referring to took place on the sidelines of this event. In our view, Prime Minister Trudeau's remarks, he has made those remarks earlier as well. So it's nothing new. His remarks, to us, illustrates once again, the kind of political space that has been given in the country, in Canada to separatism, to extremism and people who practice violence. This not only impacts India-Canada relations, but also encourages a climate of violence and criminality in Canada to the detriment of its citizens. So you would have seen our Press Release that we issued, that would convey how seriously we've conveyed our concerns to them.

On the question of deportation, there's something that has happened right now. I guess I don't have any information on that, so let me check and revert to you.

Shailesh, regarding your question on India-China relations, we have made our point very clear on India-China ties, where they stand. Our External Affairs Minister has also spoken on this on several occasions. As far as the border issues are concerned, you know that we have ongoing diplomatic talks between India and China, both at the military level and also at the diplomatic level. We have given you an update regarding the last WMCC talks that were held. A readout was placed on the website. Please have a look at that. These issues are serious issues and therefore they take time. We will have next round of engagements very soon to take things forward.

Srinjoy and our friend here, you have asked about Maldives. See, as far as these developments are concerned, especially in our neighborhood and beyond, all these developments which have an impact on our national security, on our economic security, we are watchful of them and we take whatever measures, appropriate measures that are taken to safeguard them. Srinjoy, that would also answer your question. These are developments on which we keep a close eye and take measures as appropriate on our side.

Dhairya, regarding your question on India-Nigeria… you are talking about the Joint Commission that was held some time back?

Dhairya:on 29-30 April.

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson:Now, you know, Nigeria of course is an important partner for us. It is a big country. We have expansive relations with them on the trade side, on investment side, on security side. We also have a large diaspora there. We have a lot of trading interests and there are several issues that form basket of these talks, ongoing conversation that we have, on the trade and investment side. So, we are hopeful that with new initiatives that we want to put in place, we can give an acceleration to our economic and trading links with Nigeria.

Kallol: Hello Sir, Kallol from the Hindu. Sir, in your response on the USCIRF, you have said that it's a biased organization and that their efforts to interfere in the largest electoral exercise of the world will never succeed. So, my question is… because I have not really heard, at least I don't remember the Ministry saying that the oldest democracy in the world is trying to interfere the electoral process in the largest democracy. I'm curious to know what prompted this sort of response and do you really think that the American government or even… this is a federal entity that we are talking about, right? That they are eager to influence or interfere in our electoral process?

Santosh:Main Santosh Thakur Navbharat se. Sir, Revanna par hi mera question hai, MP Revanna jo Germany chale gaye hain. Kya Sir ye diplomatic passport jinke paas hota hai unke liye mandatory hota hai ki wo government se permission le ke ya unke permission se jaye; aur agar mandatory hai toh kya uske khilaf kuch action bhi hota hai? Aur is mamle me kya kisi tarah ka koi action apne plan kiya hai ya in pipeline. Thank you.

[Question in Hindi: Approximate Translation] I'm Santosh Thakur from Navbharat. Sir, my question is also about Revanna, MP Revanna who has fled to Germany. Is it mandatory for those who have diplomatic passports to obtain permission from the government to travel? And if it is mandatory, is there any action taken against those? And in this matter, has any action been planned by you or is in the pipeline? Thank you.

Pia:Mine is similar. It is basically a clarification because you said he traveled on a diplomatic passport but he didn't seek political clearance. According to Rajya Sabha Parliamentary bulletin that was published on January 30th, 2023; it clearly states that members, even if traveling in private capacity, for private purposes, require political clearance when using a diplomatic passport. So ultimately, did this suspended JD(S) leader break protocol?

Milan:Sir, this is Milan from India Today. Just want to know, Mr. S. Jaishankar yesterday has met with a lot of foreign political party representatives at the BJP headquarters. So if the External Affairs Minister has met them, could you share some details of this particular meeting?

Nivedita:Sir, this is Nivedita from the Sunday Guardian. Turkmenistan has said that the trans-Afghan pipeline project to Pakistan and India is making progress. Is India seized of this progress and what is our stand?

Yeshi:This is Yeshi Seli from the New Indian Express. What were the findings of the high-level committee that India had set up after US had expressed the security concerns following the indictment? Any update on that? And who is heading it, if you could share?

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson:Kallol, to answer your question, you know, on USCIRF 2024 report, we have said what we had to say. We have made our reservations known on this particular organization earlier as well. So please, I would urge you to read our statement in fine print. You will get the answer. Also, I would urge you to look at the report, page to page, and see kind of observations that are made there. You will have your own judgment on those issues.

Santosh ji, aapne sawaal kiya hai ki kya wo diplomatic passport yaani ke rajnayik passport pe gaye? Toh yes, rajnayik passport pe hi gaye wo waha par. Jo Member of Parliament hote hain, unko kyuki Member of Parliament hai, is liye unka ye entitlement hai ki unke pas diplomatic passport rahe.

[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Santosh ji, you asked whether he traveled on a diplomatic passport? So yes, he traveled there on a diplomatic passport. Members of Parliament are entitled to hold a diplomatic passport.

Santosh:[Inaudible]

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson:Dekhiye, haan, diplomatic passport pe jaate hain. Maine jaise kaha ki political clearance usse humne nahi diya hai. Ye jo mamla hai ispe investigation chal raha hai. Investigation chalega. Uske baad jo karwahi karni hogi karenge.

[Answer in Hindi: Approximate translation] Look, yes, he traveled on a diplomatic passport. As I said, we did not give him the political clearance. This matter is under investigation. The investigation will proceed. After that, appropriate action will be taken.

Pia, your question, you raised a question about…and talked about a circular from the Parliament. So therefore, you must take this question to them, because they will have to look into the... these are guidelines that you raised, the guidelines that you are talking about; they are Indian Parliament guidelines. So you will have to seek an answer from them on this particular issue. These are guidelines of the Parliament, Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha…Lok Sabha.

Pia:[Inaudible]

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Yes, he has not taken political clearance. That is what I have said. He traveled on a diplomatic passport. He has not taken a political clearance.

Milan, your question regarding participation of observers, see, that was a party event. So a party event, we are not involved in that. We can't give you an update as to what happened, what sort of issues were discussed. This was purely a BJP party event, where External Affairs Minister as member of the party, he spoke to them.

Nivedita, on TAPI, this is a project which has been going on, in discussion for long now. There are several aspects of the TAPI project. It is a very ambitious project. So we will see, the discussions are still going on.

Yeshi, regarding your high level committee question. We have told you before that this particular issue also came up when we issued a statement on the Washington Post issue, that a high level committee has been set up based on the inputs that were provided to us by the American government. And we take this matter very seriously. The high level committee is doing its work.

Nirmala:Hi, this is Nirmala. I write for The Straits Times. Just a follow-up to the Australia question, how would you describe the state of ties with Australia?

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Well, with Australia, we have a strategic partnership. It is an important country. We have strong and vibrant relations with that country. We are partners in Quad. We have a large diaspora there. We have excellent trading relations, investment ties; so very expansive relationship with Australia. And we continue to… want to build it stronger, make it stronger, deeper, and build on it further.

Nirmala:These news reports...

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: These news reports are specifically news reports. These are media reports, you know, media reports of certain kind. On those things, we don't comment, and specifically, if they are of that particular nature and they are speculative in nature. You would have seen similar comments by several other people.

Speaker 2:Yes, Sir. Sir, one from the delegation visit to the Know BJP program. During the election, have we received any interest from any independent or observatory body from abroad on Indian elections? This is my first question. Secondly, Sir, recently, Peru has shown some interest in the line of FTA as well as some potato research center in West Bengal and a couple of other territories of India. At the same time, there are two ports; one in the northern, which is given to the Chinese called Chancay Port, of course, to the Chinese private entity. And they're looking for Indian bidders in the Corio, Corio Port. So do you have any update on that?

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson:You're talking about Peru?

Speaker 2:Yes, Sir.

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson:So with Peru, there's FTA, which is in the works. And we don't have an update on this particular agreement. But I understand that we are in talks and there is progress on FTA with Peru. Now, your question regarding potato, as all of you know here, Peru is a potato capital of the world. There are some 600 varieties of potato. Huma will know more on that. There's a potato research institute there. We also have a potato research institute here. And we would like to have more collaboration for our food security. It helps everybody. Potato is a product which came from Latin America to all parts of the world. And on the question about ports, etc, I'll have to look into what exactly you're saying. I'll come back to you.

Thank you very much. See you next week.