The Ministry of External Affairs today said that India and China continue to use existing diplomatic and military mechanisms to resolve outstanding issues and avoid misunderstanding and miscalculation along the Line of Actual Control. Replying to media queries on recent comments by DG ITBP in New Delhi this evening, Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the situation in the India-China border areas gets disturbed from time to time when Chinese forces diverge from established patrolling patterns. He added that the two sides have also agreed to discuss ways to improve understanding of LAC in appropriate areas for better border management. Mr Jaiswal emphasised that the maintenance of peace and tranquillity in the border areas is essential for the overall development of bilateral relations.
On claims that Iranian aircraft were denied airspace clearance, Mr Jaiswal said New Delhi continues to facilitate transport of life saving medicines to Iran. He remarked that the ongoing conflict in the region have posed new challenges to the flight connectivity between the two countries. He underlined that India continues to be in communication with Iranian counterparts to facilitate transportation of life saving medicines as a humanitarian gesture.
Replying to a query on the fourteen Indian nationals involved in yacht incident off Yemen coast, Mr Jaiswal said Ministry has been in touch with parties there and all these Indian nationals are safe in Hodeidah. He said the Ministry remains committed to the safety and security of Indian nationals abroad.
On Indians stuck in Saudi Arabia, the spokesperson said that around 3000 stranded Umrah pilgrims have traveled back home on available flights. He said that in addition to this, more than ten thousand normal Umrah pilgrims who were booked on available flights have also returned. He informed arrangements are under discussion to facilitate the return of other Umrah pilgrims at the earliest. Mr Jaiswal said Indian Embassy and Consulate in Saudi Arabia are also in touch with people who are stuck there and are rendering all possible support.
On India’s defence exports, Mr Jaiswal underlined that all defence exports are in keeping with national obligations and laws and guidelines.
