The Ministry of External Affairs held a weekly press briefing on Friday. It gave information on many issues. This includes the case of death of Indian sailor in Venezuela, Iran, Bangladesh-China defense cooperation, India’s stand on Indus Water Treaty and Teesta Water Agreement and other issues. Regarding the death of an Indian sailor in Venezuela, the Ministry said that India has asked the Venezuelan government to conduct an immediate and impartial investigation into the matter. India has taken seriously the issue of body parts missing from the dead body of a deceased Indian sailor.
On India’s representation at the funeral of former Supreme Leader of Iran Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Ministry said that the Governor of Bihar and the Minister of State for External Affairs have attended the funeral on behalf of the Government of India. Apart from this, many other people from India have also arrived to pay tribute. On Bangladesh-China defense cooperation, the ministry said that India is keeping an eye on the meetings held between Bangladesh and China and the news related to the purchase of fighter jets.
India’s stance on Indus Water Treaty
The Ministry of External Affairs said that India continuously monitors regional developments and all security related developments. At the same time, on the Indus Water Treaty, the Ministry of External Affairs reiterated that the Indus Water Treaty is currently in abeyance (postponed status) and India’s stand remains the same as before. Whereas on the Teesta water agreement, the Ministry of External Affairs said that India has clearly conveyed its stand to Bangladesh on this. Dialogue is going on between India and Bangladesh on this issue.
The Ministry of External Affairs said that India has already conveyed its stand to Bangladesh on the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Rehabilitation Project. India’s assistance for development projects in Bangladesh is based on a mutually agreed roadmap. India will include all developments related to Teesta in its overall approach. Whereas, * Regarding commercial (consular) services in Australia, Kuwait and UAE, the Ministry said that Indian missions in Australia, Kuwait and United Arab Emirates (UAE) are currently providing limited consular services.
Outsourcing agency operations stopped
The ministry said that the operations of the outsourcing agency providing support in consular services of Indian missions in these three countries have been stopped for the time being. In such a situation, embassies are providing essential services with limited resources. The ministry also gave information about the UNESCO report on the construction in Taxila. Said that cultural heritage, especially heritage recognized by UNESCO, is the heritage of all humanity. Conservation and promotion of such places is everyone’s shared responsibility.
On the incident of demolition of Gurudwara in Pakistan, the Ministry of External Affairs said that India has already strongly condemned this incident. An official press release was also issued in this regard. And condemned Pakistani attacks on Afghanistan. The ministry said that India strongly condemns Pakistan’s air strikes/military action on Afghanistan. India stressed on respecting regional peace, sovereignty and stability.
Leave a Reply