India has rejected the unwarranted references made by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Jammu and Kashmir during his UNGA address. Briefing media in New Delhi today, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that this is a matter pertaining to India’s territorial integrity and sovereignty and no external party has any locus standi on the issue.
On the IBSA statement, Mr Jaiswal noted that a meeting at the level of foreign ministers was held between India, Brazil and South Africa on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. He added that after the meeting, the three countries have come out with a joint statement wherein the collective view of the three countries has been put together. Mr Jaiswal pointed out that there are several economic issues, development issues, and certain political issues that have been reflected. He said India stands for a two-state solution, as far as its own point of view on Palestine is concerned.
On the comments made by External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on cross-border terrorism, Mr Jaiswal said External Affairs Minister highlighted that cross-border terrorism is a cause of major concern, and countries need to come together to fight this global menace.
On the issue of a 100% tariff by the US, the spokesperson said that Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri had a meeting with the US Congressional delegation in New Delhi recently. He added that during the meeting, various issues of bilateral nature were discussed. Mr Jaiswal further noted that the Foreign Secretary conveyed concerns regarding the Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act (SIRA) as to the kind of implications it would have for bilateral relationship as well as the international energy market.
On Indian vessels in the Persian Gulf, the spokesperson informed that there are six India-flagged commercial vessels in the Persian Gulf. He said there are six foreign-flagged vessels which are carrying cargo to India. He further said that there are around 163 Indian seafarers who are on board these vessels. Apart from this, there are over 4,500 Indian seafarers who are on board various commercial vessels which are operating in the area. Mr Jaiswal said that the Ministry of Shipping continues to monitor the movement of these ships and is looking at the well-being of all these seafarers. He expressed India’s commitment to the safety and well-being of the seafaring community abroad.
Replying to a query on the India-Ganges Water Treaty between India and Bangladesh, Mr Jaiswal said India and Bangladesh have a joint river commission, and all matters relating to rivers will be discussed as part of this river commission. He added that at the technical level, meetings on the Ganga Water Treaty continue to happen.
