The External Affairs Ministry has said that India is carefully examining the implications of the reciprocal tariffs imposed by the US. Briefing media in New Delhi, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the Indian and the US sides are working for a mutually beneficial, multi-sectoral bilateral trade agreement. Mr Jaiswal added that the government is engaged with all stakeholders and is assessing the situation by taking into account feedback received from stakeholders, including exporters and industry representatives. He said India values its comprehensive global strategic partnership with the US and is committed to working closely with it.

On the withdrawal of the transshipment facility for Bangladesh, Mr Jaiswal said the transshipment facility extended to Bangladesh had, over a period of time, resulted in significant congestion at the country’s airports and ports. He said logistical delays and higher costs were hindering the nation’s exports and creating backlogs. He said the facility has been withdrawn from yesterday onward. He clarified that these measures do not impact Bangladeshi exports to Nepal or Bhutan transiting through Indian territory.

On Operation Brahma, Mr Jaiswal said India has delivered over 656 metric tonnes of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief material in Myanmar so far. He said an 80-member NDRF team was deployed for a search and rescue operation, which has returned after completing its mission. Mr Jaiswal informed us that a 200-bed Indian Army field hospital is operational in Mandalay, which has treated close to one thousand 300 patients so far. He said India stands with Myanmar in this time of crisis and is ready to deploy more material assistance and resources.

On Russia’s invitation to Prime Minister Modi for the Victory Day parade, Mr Jaiswal said the Prime Minister has received an invitation for the participation.