New Delhi today reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are an inalienable and integral part of India. Briefing media in the national capital this evening, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, the issues that should concern the international community are the atrocities currently being perpetrated in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, and the use of PoJK for cross-border terrorism.
Replying to a question, Mr Jaiswal stated that India has had several engagements with Afghanistan in the last few months. He highlighted that there have been several Ministerial visits from Afghanistan to India, which have led to the strengthening of partnership in areas including development, cooperation, trade, and connectivity. He added that India has long-standing ties with Afghanistan, and it looks forward to further strengthening these ties.
On Bangladesh requesting additional diesel supplies from India amid energy crisis, Mr Jaiswal said, India has an ongoing arrangement with Bangladesh for the supply of diesel. He added that the additional request for diesel will be examined keeping in mind India’s own requirements, refining capacity, as well as the availability of diesel in the country.
Replying to another query, the spokesperson said, India has extended an invitation to Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Tarique Rahman for a bilateral visit. India has also extended an invitation to the Bangladesh PM for a visit to India for the outreach session of the BRICS Summit.
On FCRA, the spokesperson reiterated that legislative matters concerning India are internal matters on which Parliament will decide.
On Russian President Vladimir Putin’s statement that India is showing growing interest in Russia’s Northern Sea Route, the spokesperson pointed out that India has a multi-faceted cooperation with Russia and connectivity is an important part of this.
Mr Jaiswal conveyed deepest condolences on the lives that have been lost due to the earthquake in Colombia. He said, India sent 20 metric tons of relief material to the country today, which includes medical supplies, medical equipment, and several other items that are helpful for post-earthquake recovery.
