Transcript of Weekly Media Briefing by the Official Spokesperson (April 23, 2026)

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Good afternoon friends. Welcome to this press conference.

I will begin with an announcement. We welcome the announcement on the operationalization of visa-free transit for Indian nationals transiting through French airports. As you may recall, the removal of the requirement of transit visas for Indian passport holders was agreed between Prime Minister and President Macron during their meeting in Mumbai in February this year. The Government of France has now operationalized this agreement, and Indian nationals transiting through mainland France exclusively by air will no longer need a transit visa with effect from 10th April 2026. So please note the date, 10th April 2026. The decision reflects the enduring partnership between India and France elevated to the level of a Special Global Strategic Partnership during the recent visit of President Macron and further facilitation of smoother movement of people and enhanced people-to-people ties. So this is the announcement. We will also have a press release on this, so you can refer to that. With that, I open the floor for questions.

France ne ek pehal kiya hai. Jab President Macron ki yatra hui thi Bharat ki, us dauran Bharat aur France ke beech mein yeh tai hua tha ki jo humare log hawai marg se France jaate hain, unko transit visa ki zaroorat aage se nahi padegi. Is samjhote ko France ki sarkar ne lagu kar liya hai aur yeh 10 April 2026 se ab lagu hoga. Vishesh jankari ke liye aur atirikta jankari ke liye jo hum log press vigyapti is par jaari kar rahe hain us par aap nazar daalein.

[Approximate Translation] France has taken a step. During President Macron's visit to India, it was agreed between India and France that people traveling to France by air would no longer require a transit visa going forward. The French government has now implemented this agreement, and it came into effect from April 10, 2026. For detailed and additional information, please refer to the press release that we are issuing on this matter.

So with that I open the floor for questions.

Siddhant, WION: Sir, first of course, Japan has lifted the export of lethal weapons. What's India's response? And secondly, on Donald Trump endorsing a post comparing India and China as hell holes, what is the reaction of the Indian government?

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Sorry, can you repeat your question again? Second question?

Siddhant, WION: The second question is Donald Trump has endorsed a post. The post compares India and China as hell holes. What is the Indian government's response on the US President comparing, terming India in a derogatory manner?

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: And your first question was about export controls?

Siddhant, WION: Export controls being lifted by Japan, exporting of lethal weapons now allowed by Japan, which is a break in the past when it comes to traditional policy of the Japanese government.

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: This is part of the defence equipment...

Siddhant, WION: Correct.

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Yeah. Okay. Thank you.

Unknown Speaker: Sir, Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh ne kal kaha ke Pashchim Asia ke mudde par Bharat bhi koi aane wale waqt mein bhumika nibha sakta hai. Us bhumika ko lekar agar koi jankari aap saajha kar sakein, kis tarah ki bhumika ho sakti hai?

[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said yesterday that India could play a role in the West Asia issue in the coming time. Could you share any information about that role-what kind of role it might be?

Ashok, The Pioneer: Good afternoon sir, I am Ashok from The Pioneer. There is a multiple videos circulating from India and Nepal border and which is showing about the Bhansar and something related to customs and there is a very, you know, negative impression is roaming around the border area, especially from the Bihar and Nepal. Your comment would be great.

Abhimanyu Sharma, CNBC-TV18: Good afternoon sir. Sir, any information on whether we are going to continue imports of oil from Russia, has the sanction waiver extended?

And sir, secondly on the India-US trade talks, our delegation is always on its way back. Any information on whether there is an outcome from the talks?

Shailesh: Sir, amid alteration of balance of power in Strait of Hormuz and Pakistan is playing interlocutor and Pakistan also deploying weapons and fighter jets in Saudi Arabia, our NSA has visited Saudi Arabia sir. So how is it gonna make our position strengthen there and amid the escalation and ongoing blockade sir?

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay. Siddhant, first to your question regarding some of the recent announcements or changes made by the government of Japan. India welcomes Japan's review of the three principles on transfer of defense equipment and technology. Defense and security cooperation forms an important pillar of India-Japan special strategic and global partnership. As part of the joint declaration on security cooperation between India and Japan, both sides have committed to increase practical cooperation in the interest of their national security and continued economic dynamism. This includes promotion and facilitation of technological and industrial collaboration between the government entities and private sector stakeholders for resilience in sectors critical to national security. So, we welcome the steps that have been announced by Japan.

In regard to your second question, we have seen some reports. That is where I leave it.

Aapka sawal Raksha Mantri ke vaktavya ko leke tha. Dekhiye jahan tak Pashchim Asia ka sawal hai wahan jo sangharsh chal raha hai, us par humari niti bahut saaf hai ki hum hamesha se shanti ke paksh mein khade rehte hain aur shanti ke paksh mein, shanti ke pehal ke liye koi bhi kadam uthaya ja raha hai ya uthaya jayega, uska hum samarthan karte hain. Iske alawa hum logon ne hamesha se yeh kaha hai ki koi bhi masla ho, koi bhi sangharsh ho, koi bhi matbhed ho, usko dialogue aur diplomacy ke madhyam se, yaani kutniti aur samvaad ke madhyam se suljhana chahiye. To yeh humara paksh hai aur yahi Bharat ka paksh hai.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Your question was regarding the statement made by the Defence Minister. As far as West Asia is concerned, our policy on the ongoing conflict is very clear-we have always stood for peace, and we support any step taken towards peace. Beyond that, we have consistently maintained that any issue, conflict, or difference should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. This remains our position, and that is India's stance.

Ashok, Nepal ke maamle mein, you've rightly pointed out several social media reports. We've also seen some reports about enforcement by Nepali authorities of pre-existing provision that outlines collection of customs duty from cross-border travelers in case they carry items which are purchased in India of course, and which have a value of over 100 Nepali rupees. We understand that the government of Nepal has taken this step primarily with the intent to curb informal trade and smuggling. We have also seen a statement by a senior Nepali official stating that civilians carrying personal goods or household goods will not be obstructed. We remain engaged on these developments.

Kuch reportein hum logon ne dekhi hain, kuch khabar dekha hai jismein yeh bataya ja raha hai ki Nepal ki sarkar jo Bharat se log jaate hain aur apne saath kuch saaman lekar jaate hain, us par wo customs duty lagayegi. Yeh pravadhan purana hai, lekin usko abhi unhone lagoo kiya hai. Saath hi saath yeh hamari samajh hai ki yeh jo kadam Nepal ki sarkar ne uthaya hai, yeh jo anopcharik vyapaar chal raha hai aur saath hi saath jo taskari chal rahi hai, usko khatam karne ke liye, usse usko kam karne ke liye yeh kadam uthaya gaya hai. Main yeh bhi kehna chahunga ki ek varishth Nepali adhikari ki taraf se yeh vaktavya aaya hai ki jo log Bharat se Nepal ja rahe hain aur apne saath mein niji saman le ja rahe hain aur niji istemal ke liye le ja rahe hain, toh uspar koi rukavat, uspar koi kadam nahi uthaya jayega.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] We have seen some reports and news stating that the Government of Nepal will impose customs duty, effective from July 15, on goods carried by people traveling from India to Nepal. This provision is not new, but it is now being enforced. At the same time, our understanding is that this step has been taken by the Government of Nepal to curb informal trade and smuggling. I would also like to mention that a senior Nepali official has stated that people traveling from India to Nepal with personal or household items for personal use will not face any obstruction or action.

Unknown Speaker: (inaudible)

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Jo log hamare yahan se Nepal ki yatra kar rahe hain aur saath mein apna saman le ja rahe hain aur woh saman unke personal use ke liye hai, niji mamalon ke liye hai, household goods mein aata hai, toh uspar koi custom duty nahi lagegi. Baaki raha ki is mudde par Nepal sarkar se humlog baat kar rahe hain.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] For those who are traveling from here to Nepal carrying items for their personal use, and if the goods are for personal or household use, then no customs duty will be applied. As for the rest of the matter, we are in discussions with the Government of Nepal on this issue.

Abhimanyu, on oil again, I will only say what I've said on several occasions. Please refer to our statement. That remains our point that energy sourcing for us is based on certain parameters and those parameters have been... I've emphasized them in the past as well and that remains to be the case.

On bilateral talks on India-US bilateral trade agreement, yes, a team from India went to Washington DC for negotiations on bilateral trade agreement. These engagements are ongoing and constructive. Both sides are working towards a balanced, mutually beneficial, and forward-looking trade agreement taking into account each other's concerns and priorities and to reach a trade target of US dollars 500 billion by 2030. So that is where we are on the bilateral trade agreement.

Shailesh, on National Security Advisor visit to Saudi Arabia. This was part of our outreach to countries in the Gulf. This was done on the direction of our Prime Minister. Earlier, External Affairs Minister also had visited UAE and our Petroleum Minister had visited Qatar. In addition, we also had outreach made by our Commerce and Industry Minister who spoke to several of his counterparts. As far as Strait of Hormuz is concerned, you know our position very well. We continue to call for unimpeded navigation and transit rights for commercial shipping.

Yeshi Seli, Business India: This is Yeshi Seli from Business India. How many ships are still stuck in Hormuz, especially after that incident where a ship which was cleared was fired upon? And you know, how many are still there, how many have come back to India?

And also, I have a question on the eighth naval veteran commander Purnendu Tiwari. He was cleared by a court in Qatar on March 12th of the financial misappropriation charges. Why is he still languishing in jail? It's been over two years and two months.

Brahma Prakash Dubey, Zee News: Sir, Brahma Prakash Dubey Zee News se. Mera sawal hai abhi iske pehle Siddhant ne bhi ek sawal kiya tha ki Donald Trump ki post hai Bharat ko aur China ko lekar aur Bharat ki tulna nark se ki gayi hai. Is post ko lekar desh mein narazgi hai aur khaas taur se badi political parties, Congress party ne kaha hai ki Bharat sarkar ko is par objection jatana chahiye America ke saath kyunki yeh post nindniye hai. Toh isko lekar kya Bharat sarkar America ke samaksh virodh jata rahi hai ya apni aapatti jata rahi hai, Bharat ka kya rukh hai? Thank you.

[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, Brahma Prakash Dubey from Zee News. My question is: earlier Siddhant also raised a question regarding a post by Donald Trump about India and China, in which India was compared to hell. There is anger in the country over this, and major political parties, especially the Indian National Congress, have said that the Government of India should raise an objection with the United States as the post is condemnable.

So, in this regard, is the Government of India raising a protest or objection with the US? What is India's stance on this? Thank you.

Pranay Upadhyay, India Today and Aaj Tak: Sir, Pranay Upadhyay from India Today and Aaj Tak. Recently there have been again some incidents of firing involving some ships in Strait of Hormuz and there are reportedly some Indian seafarers on board on those ships. So what is the status of those seafarers, Indian seafarers? And how many incidents involving Indian ship, or the Indian seafarers involving these firing incidents in Strait of Hormuz in last two days?

Saurav, Outlook Business: Saurav from the Outlook Business. Is India still importing Iranian oil and if yes can we get some details?

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: So, first Yeshi, coming to your question on Indian ships. We have ten Indian ships which have exited Strait of Hormuz safely in the last few weeks. We have 14 Indian ships which are still in the Persian Gulf.

On your second question regarding Commander Tiwari, let me make it very clear, please don't conflate two issues. The court judgment that you are talking about, that's a separate March 12th court judgment. He was sentenced by Qatar's Court of Cassation along with Omani owner and other Qatari officer. This judgment came in February of 2026. The other case that you are referring of March 12th, that's a separate case in which he has been given relief. But presently he is detained in this particular case on which the Court of Cassation of Qatar gave a ruling, sentenced him. That judgment came in February of 2026. As far as we are concerned, we are in touch with his family and we are extending all possible support. I would again like to mention because we see that all issues get jumbled up that this case in which Commander Tiwari has been sentenced is a separate case from the one in which he and others were released following GOI's intervention. There are two separate cases.

Brahma, inka jo sawal hai Siddhant ka sawal tha uska maine pehle hi jawab de diya hai.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Brahma, this question was already asked by Siddhant, and I have already answered it.

Pranay, kal ki baat hai jo firing hui, do videshi jahaz par firing hui thi, uspar kuch hamare Bhartiya crew members naavik the, woh log surakshit hain aur yeh do jis par firing hui hai ek videshi jahaz hain, toh iske bare mein mere paas vistrit jankari nahi hai kyunki videshi jahaz hai. Aur lekin main yeh kehna chahunga ki Iran ki sarkar se hamara lagataar baat-chit chal rahi hai taaki jo hamare wahan par shesh jahaz hain woh surakshit Bharat aaye.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Pranay, regarding yesterday's incident of firing on two foreign vessels-some of our Indian crew members, including sailors, were on board, and they are safe. Since these were foreign vessels, I do not have detailed information about the incident. However, I would like to say that we are in continuous communication with the Government of Iran to ensure that our remaining vessels there return safely to India.

In these two ships which were fired on, they are foreign owned. There are some Indian nationals on them, on board these ships. They are safe. As far as our ships are concerned in the Persian Gulf, we continue to remain in close conversation with Iranian authorities so that they can safely exit Persian Gulf and reach India. The other incident which had happened involving two Indian ships, that happened on last Saturday, on which you must have seen the statement that we issued.

Saurav, again on oil, our position on what we buy, how we buy, etc., that has been made amply clear. Please refer to those statements.

Suhasini Haidar, The Hindu: Suhasini Haidar from the Hindu. I wanted to ask Secretary (West) Sibi George is in New York. He met the UN Secretary General, he addressed the IGN on UNSC reforms. I wanted to ask, one year after Pahalgam, is there any movement on India's desire to designate the TRF as a group? Was this raised by India with the UN Secretary General and with other members of the UN Security Council at present and why is it that there has been no movement on this issue which about 11 months ago a specific MEA team had gone to New York just to discuss? The second question is ... in his statement on UNSC reform, India has backed the Africa formula for 26 states. Will this include the veto as well for the new members of the UNSC? Thank you.

Jessica Taneja: Hi sir, this is Jessica Taneja for Doordarshan Network. According to Bangladeshi media reports, they're suggesting that ammunition made in India by the Ordnance Factories has been found in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Any comments on that?

Shalu, Deutsche Welle: Hi, I'm Shalu from Deutsche Welle. I have two questions sir. On Defence Minister Singh's visit to Germany, could you share how close the two countries are to locking the submarine deal? And the other question is about … we hearing some reports on Mr. Modi's upcoming trip to Europe for the India-Nordic Summit. Could you share the agenda, the dates, anything you may have finalized?

Neeraj Dubey, Prabhasakshi: Sir, namaskar main Neeraj Dubey Prabhasakshi se. Sir Ukraine ke rashtrapati ne pradhan mantri Modi aur kuchh anya vishwa netaon ka naam lekar kaha hai ki unhe rashtrapati Putin ko war samapt karne ke liye sidhe-sidhe kehna chahiye kyunki vo aur baki madhyasthata ke jo prayas the vo sab vifal ho chuke hain, toh is par aapki kya pratikriya?

[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, greetings. I am Neeraj Dubey from Prabhasakshi. My question is: the President of Ukraine has named Prime Minister Modi and some other global leaders, saying that they should directly tell President Putin to end the war, as other mediation efforts have failed. What is your response to this?

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay. So, first coming to Suhasini, your question. Secretary (West) is traveling or has traveled to New York. He made several statements there including, if I'm not wrong, in the ECOSOC. He also met the Secretary General and several issues that are part of our agenda at the UN were discussed.

In regard to TRF, I can say that the monitoring team is considering this, and we continue to push hard because we want to strengthen global fight against terrorism and in that regard it's important that UN member states are on board with how we take, how we approach fighting terrorism globally speaking.

On UN reforms, UNSC reforms, these are some of the technical issues but our point remains that global governance needs to be changed because they have to be anchored in contemporary realities. There are several proposals. I'm not particularly clear about the technicalities that you mentioned, but yes we want to push for broader more democratic global governance which includes the voice of the Global South which includes other countries who aspire to be... India of course has a stake in expanding global governance reforms.

Jessica your question, we have seen some reports. It would not be appropriate for me to comment on unverified media reports on this particular issue. But it may be noted that Indian Ordnance Factories operate under strict guidelines and under very strict accountability and stringent accountability frameworks.

Shalu, on the visit of Defence Minister. This visit has happened after some time. You saw we had the Chancellor of Germany visiting India this year and this is a follow-up visit. Both countries want to strengthen their defence ties. The visit covered several aspects. You would have seen the press release issued by the Ministry of Defence but just to reiterate some of the highlights. This was an official visit of Raksha Mantri which took place from 21st to 23rd of April. He held bilateral talks with his German counterpart, His Excellency Mr. Boris Pistorius focusing on defence industrial collaboration, military-to-military engagements and opportunities in emerging defence technologies. Two key outcomes of the visit include the signing of the defence industrial cooperation roadmap and implementing arrangement for UN peacekeeping operations training. Raksha Mantri also addressed the German Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence and Security. He also met with several defence representatives in Germany. In addition he had public engagements as well which means he went to the Humboldt University to speak there and he also had an interaction with Indian community in Berlin. This visit of Raksha Mantri came after several years, after a gap of seven years but it has given a big boost to India-Germany defence partnership.

Neeraj aapka sawal Ukraine ko leke. Ukraine pe jo hum log pehle kehte rahe hain Bharat hamesha se shanti ke paksh mein raha hai aur hum chahte hain ki koi bhi masla hai usko samvad ke madhyam se aur kootneeti ke madhyam se suljhaya jaye.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Neeraj, regarding your question on Ukraine: as we have consistently said, India has always stood for peace, and we believe that any issue should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.

Thank you very much. Thank you.

New Delhi
April 23, 2026