Transcript of Weekly Media Briefing by the Official Spokesperson (January 16, 2026)

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson:Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Let's begin our engagement. The floor is open. We'll start from this side. Pranay.

Pranay Upadhyay, India Today Aaj Tak: Sir, Pranay Upadhyay India Today Aaj Tak se. Mera sawal Iran ki sthiti ko lekar hai. Kya Bharat sarkar ka aaklan hai ki khatra tal chuka hai? Bhartiyon ko lekar abhi wahan par kya sthiti hai, sampark ko lekar? Aur saath hi yeh reports bhi aa rahi hain ki Bharat ne Iran ki Chabahar pariyojna se exit kar liya hai. Uske bare mein kya vastu sthiti hai thoda spasht kijiyega.

[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, Pranay Upadhyay from India Today-Aaj Tak. My question is regarding the situation in Iran. Does the Government of India assess that the threat does not exist anymore? What is the current situation there with respect to Indians, especially in terms of contact and communication? At the same time, there are reports suggesting that India has exited the Chabahar project in Iran. Could you please clarify the actual position on this as well?

Yeshi Seli, Business India: This is Yeshi Seli from Business India. I have a question on Myanmar. The second round of elections was held on January 11th. Two Indians had gone as observers in the first round; did anybody go? And also, there are talks of including ethnic groups when the government is formed. Any update on what is likely to happen?

Ayushi Agarwal, ANI: Sir, this is Ayushi Agarwal from ANI. One question on Chabahar: Did the recent telephonic talks between EAM Jaishankar and Iranian Foreign Minister feature Chabahar? And second, China has once again reaffirmed its claim over the Shaksgam Valley. What is your comment on that? And since a Chinese delegation was here this week and met our Foreign Secretary, did India officially, sorry, formally raised our objections on such claims?

Mr. Keita Ueki, JIJI Press: This is Keita of JIJI Press, Japanese news agency. My question is regarding India-Japan Strategic Dialogue today. I heard the main issue of the dialogue were AI and economic security cooperation. So, did they discuss anything about defense cooperation? Thank you.

Sidhant Sibal, CNN-News18: Hi sir, I am Sidhant from CNN-News18. Sir, my question is, there are reports that Ministry of External Affairs has raised objections to a Salman Khan film depicting the clash between Indian and Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley in 2020. Any comments from your side? Thank you.

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay, first we come to Pranay. Aapka sawal ko sabse pehle. Dekhiye, aapko jaisa ki pata hai, Iran mein kareeban humare 9,000 nagrik is samay rehte hain, lagbhag-lagbhag. Inmein se zyada tar log humare vidyarthi log hain. Uske alawa navik hain aur tirth yatri hain aur bhi kuch log jo vyapar se jude log wahan par rehte hain. Haal hi ke dino mein wahan jo gatividhi chal rahi hai usko lekar hum logon ne do-teen advisory issue kiye.

Advisory mein humne yeh kaha ki jo humare nagrik hain Bharat mein, woh Iran abhi na jayein. Aur jo Bharat mein... wahan jo humare Bhartiya nagrik reh rahe hain, unko kaha gaya ki aap desh chhodne ka jo bhi means hai abhi... abhi toh commercial flights woh bhi, uska bhi raasta abhi hai, toh woh sab lekar log wahan se niklein. Uske alawa wahan par jo gatividhi hai uspar hum log nazar banaye hue hain. Aur jahan tak humare logon ka sawal hai, unke hit mein jo bhi kuch hoga, uski agar zarurat padegi toh hum log usse karne ke liye pratibaddh hain.

Dusra sawal aapka tha Chabahar ko leke, toh usmein main apni baatein aapke saamne rakhna chahta hoon. Jaisa ki aapko pata hai, 28 October 2025 ko US ke Treasury vibhag ne ek chitthi jaari ki thi hum logon ko. Us chitthi mein... usmein unconditional sanctions waiver ke baare mein jaankari thi.

Aur yeh jo unconditional waiver hai, jo sanctions waiver humko mila hai, aapko pata hai jaisa ki woh 26 April 2026 tak vaidh hai. Hum is vyavastha par kaam karne ke liye US paksh ke saath baat-cheet kar rahe hain.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Okay, first I will come to Pranay and address your question first. Look, as you are aware, at present there are approximately 9,000 of our nationals living in Iran. Most of them are our students. In addition to this, there are sailors, pilgrims, and some people who are associated with business and reside there. In view of the recent developments and activities taking place there, we have issued two to three advisories.

In these advisories, we have stated that our citizens in India should not travel to Iran at this time. And those Indian nationals who are currently residing there have been advised that, through whatever means available to leave the country at present-commercial flights are still operating and that option is also available-they should make use of those and leave. Apart from this, we are closely monitoring the situation and developments there. As far as the safety and interests of our people are concerned, whatever needs to be done in their interest, if the need arises, we are fully committed to doing that.

Your second question was regarding Chabahar. On that, I would like to place the facts before you. As you know, on 28 October 2025, the US Treasury Department issued a letter to us. That letter contained information regarding unconditional sanctions waiver.

This unconditional waiver-the sanctions waiver that we have received-is, as you are aware, valid until 26 April 2026. We are in discussions with the US side to work on this arrangement.

Now… yes, before you wanted to come in, I actually knew that there was a need for this.

We have around 9,000 Indian nationals in Iran. They are mostly students, people connected with business, some professionals as well, pilgrims and seafarers. Given the situation there, we have issued a few advisories asking Indian nationals to avoid all travel to Iran and Indian nationals who are already resident in Iran to leave Iran by available means, including commercial flights. We continue to closely watch the unfolding situation there and will take all necessary steps for the welfare of our people.

On the question of Chabahar, on 28th October 2025, as you are aware, the US Department of Treasury had issued a letter outlining guidance... the guidance on the conditional sanctions waiver, which is valid till 26th April 2026. We remain engaged with the US side in working out this arrangement.

Yeshi, your questions regarding elections... on elections in Myanmar, we have said what our position is. We want that there be...inclusive and fair elections in which all stakeholders participate. We understand, as you rightly said and we've seen reports, that two rounds of elections have been held. Further rounds will be held subsequently. We do have people who have traveled from India, but these are individuals who have gone there in their private capacity.

Ayushi, on your first question was regarding External Affairs Minister's conversation. We did have... External Affairs Minister did have a conversation with the Iranian Foreign Minister. The Iranian Foreign Minister shared with him the developments that have happened in the recent past.

On Shaksgam issue, we have already clarified what our position is. So, I will refer you to our comments that we made in the last press briefing.

On the visit of the International Department of CCP, their Vice Minister... the Vice Minister had a meeting with our Foreign Secretary. We have given details of the discussions that were held. Please refer to our Press Release in that regard.

For our friend Keita, the Foreign Minister of Japan, as you know, that he is visiting India from 15th to 17th of this month. This morning, he had a call on our Prime Minister and thereafter, he, along with the External Affairs Minister, participated in the 18th India-Japan Strategic Dialogue.

As part of the discussions, both leaders, they reviewed the multifaceted relationship that we have with your country and in that regard, they discussed supply chain resilience in critical sectors, investment, trade, technology, innovation, defense, people-to-people exchanges, and also our cultural ties. Both leaders underlined the importance of further strengthening India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership in keeping with the outcomes of the 15th Annual Summit that was held in Japan last year when our Prime Minister traveled there for it.

You referred to Artificial Intelligence. This was... initiative was announced by the two Prime Ministers and today the ministers launched the AI Dialogue giving a coherent... so as to give a coherent push to bilateral cooperation between the two countries in this particular sector.

On economic security, as you would have seen in the opening remarks of our External Affairs Minister, this is an important issue of engagement between the two countries, not just for our economies but for the economies... economies of the world at large.

Both sides also decided to convene the joint working group on critical minerals under the economic security initiative to advance our collaboration in the fields of rare earths and critical minerals. The two ministers also look forward to celebrating 2027, that is next year, as the... when we complete 75 years of our relationship with Japan. So, we look forward to... there was also some conversation around cricket, as you would have seen. He presented a jersey of the Japanese cricket team, the Foreign Minister. So, overall a very good visit and the visit still continues. So, please... we will update you with more details with our... with the visit of our Japanese Foreign Minister.

Sidhant, on your question. We understand that a film of this nature is being planned. Issues regarding filmmaking in India, as you are well aware, are looked after by relevant authorities. And as far as we are concerned, MEA has no role in this or in such ventures.

We go ahead. Manish.

Manish:Just building upon the question... Keita... the discussion of the some sort of marine, maritime security equipment, military equipment has been... has been under discussion with Japan for a long time. Especially the Unicorn. There has also been reported there is an issue of also export from Japan is being discussed. Are those things being materialized at this... at this meeting today? Any progress on that? Thank you.

Neeraj Dubey, Prabhasakshi: Sir namaskar, main Neeraj Dubey, Prabhasakshi se. Sir, America mein Bharatiya Rajdoot ne US lawmakers ke saath ek meeting ki hai aur haal ke dinon mein yeh doosri aisi meeting hai. Iske baare mein kya update hai, sir? Kya trade deal par kuch tha?

[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, namaskar. I am Neeraj Dubey from Prabhasakshi. Sir, the Indian Ambassador in America has held a meeting with US lawmakers, and this is the second such meeting in recent days. What is the update on this, sir? Was there anything on the trade deal?

Smita Sharma:Hi. Going back to that question about the report today on exiting Chabahar port. Could you just clarify whether the sanctions waiver which was granted was on the condition that it would lead eventually to the winding down of operations? Because that's what the report seems to say. And B, in terms of the additional 25% tariff that now President Trump has imposed for any kind of business with Iran. If you could throw light on exactly what is the trade that India has with Iran currently and does it impact pharmaceuticals also?

Sidhant, WION: Sir, Sidhant from WION. The External Affairs Minister and Marco Rubio held conversation. How much was there focus on the trade component? And there are information that there could be a meeting next month. Are we looking at EAM's visit in US or Marco Rubio's visit in Delhi?

Aditya, NDTV: Sir, Aditya from NDTV. My question is about the India-EU summit that's happening and we saw the statement from the MEA. But are we really going to sign now the FTA between the two countries? And also on the Afghan CDA that has joined in, he met the JS(PAI) and there was a statement from the Afghan embassy. What is the working relation going to be forward? And anything on the logistics and the trade between the two countries?

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Manish, on defense cooperation with Japan, this is an important element of our collaboration. And this was a matter that was discussed between the two leaders, External Affairs Minister and Foreign Minister of Japan. And we look forward to further strengthen our ties. You've asked about several of these projects. There are several projects which are under consideration and we want to further strengthen our ties taking into account all the projects that you mentioned.

Neeraj, jo Bharat ke rajdoot America mein, chahe kisi aur desh mein hain, unki lagataar baatcheet hoti rehti hai. Wahan ke Congress ke memberaan se aur uske alaava aur bhi anya samaaj ke wahan par jo log hain, unse baatcheet hoti rehti hai taaki humare dono deshon ke rishton mein aur mazbooti aaye aur bal mile. Aur isi sandarbh mein yeh baatcheet lagataar chalti hai, chalti rahegi. Aur jaisa ki aapne bataya, humare Washington DC mein jo embassy hai, uske hawaale se aap logon ko is par khabar di ja rahi hai.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi]Neeraj, our ambassadors-whether in the United States or in any other country-are continuously engaged in discussions. They regularly interact with members of Congress there, as well as with other sections of society, with the objective of further strengthening and solidifying the relationship between our two countries. In this context, such interactions and discussions happen and will continue to happen.And as you mentioned, with regards to our embassy in Washington, DC, you are being kept informed about these developments through there.

Smita, on Chabahar, I just told you what our position is. And I would like to repeat again that we remain engaged with the US side in working out the arrangement... the arrangement that was given of the conditional waiver.

On the second question on trade, we are, you know... 25% tariff that you mentioned, we are closely following all these developments. As far as our trade... bilateral trade with Iran is concerned, in the last financial year we had a overall bilateral trade of 1.6 billion dollars. Of which our exports to Iran was in the region of 1.2 billion US dollars and our imports from Iran was in the region of 0.4 billion dollars. If you look at overall what sort of size it has in our overall global trade, then Iran accounts for about 0.15% of India's total trade.

Sidhant, on your question regarding conversation between External Affairs Minister and Secretary of State. You would have seen the readout that was there from both sides. But just to tell you that this conversation happened on 13th of January. This was the first conversation between the two leaders. They discussed a range of bilateral issues including trade, critical minerals, defense, civil nuclear cooperation and energy. And they also exchanged perspectives on regional developments. As to when our leaders would be visiting each other's countries, those are details that are yet to be worked out. And as you know, we do inform you well in advance of these visits so that you can keep track of them and report on them.

Aditya, India-EU summit is to be held on 27th of January. And the leaders, the President of the EU Council and the President of EU Commission, they are visiting India. They are the Chief Guest for our... they will be here on a State Visit. They are our Chief Guests for Republic Day this time. On India-EU FTA, as I told you last time as well, that these negotiations are progressing.

On the Afghan CDA, yes, you know, some time back when we had the visit of Afghan Foreign Minister, we had elevated our partnership... sorry, the elevated the Indian technical mission in Kabul to the level of an Embassy. And thereafter the person who was heading the technical mission in Kabul was upgraded to... upgraded as Charge d'Affaires. In line with this approach, now the Afghan side, they have also sent a diplomat who is their CDA. And the CDA has taken charge as of 9th of January.

And between the two sides conversations are happening. On trade and logistics... you know three ministerial visits have happened from Afghanistan to India. And if you would remember when the Trade Minister or the Commerce Minister when he was here, there was a discussion about creating a freight corridor so that there could be more trade between the two countries especially in items such as pharmaceuticals, fruits and other essential commodities.

Uma Shankar Singh, Independent Journalist: Ek chhota sa clarification hai. Umashankar Singh, independent journalist. Iran pe jo advisory ki abhi aapne baat ki, woh hum sabne dekha hai aur abhi aapne kaha ki chunki commercial flights chal rahi hain, to clarification yeh chahiye ki kya abhi koi evacuation ka plan Government of India ka nahi hai, kyunki commercial flights chal rahe hain aur jo lautna chahte hain woh commercial flights ke zariye lautein.

[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] A small clarification, Umashankar Singh, independent journalist. Regarding the advisory on Iran that you just mentioned, we have all seen it, and now you said that since commercial flights are operating, the clarification needed is: Does this mean that currently the Government of India has no evacuation plan, because commercial flights are operating, and those who wish to return can do so via commercial flights?

Keshav Padmanabhan, The Print: Thank you sir, Keshav Padmanabhan from The Print. I just wanted to follow up on the discussions with Secretary of State Marco Rubio with specific focus on trade. Was there any sort of idea of when or where the trade negotiations will move forward, are there going to be further rounds? The reason I ask this is India's purchases of American oil has increased by about 50% in the last fiscal year. So has there been any conversation on tariff relief due to the increase in... imports from the US? Can you give us a sense of that sir? Thank you.

Vijai Laxmi, India TV: Sir Vijai Laxmi hoon, India TV se. Sir 8 December 2025 ko Irani Revolutionary Guards ne Valiant Roar tanker ko zabt kiya tha, jismein 16 Bharatiya jo hain crew member hain, unke whereabouts ko lekar unke parivaar kaafi chintit hain. Usko lekar koi jaankari?

[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, I am Vijai Laxmi from India TV. Sir, on 8 December 2025, the Iranian Revolutionary Guards seized the tanker Valiant Roar, in which there are 16 Indian crew members. Their families are extremely concerned about their whereabouts. Do you have any information regarding this?

Kadambini Sharma, Independent Journalist: Kadambini Sharma, independent journalist. Sir aapne Iran mein humare nagrikon ki baat ki hai. Kai students ke jo parivaar hain yahan par, woh keh rahe hain ki woh khud bhi sampark nahi kar pa rahe hain apne bachchon se. To aise mein kya wahan par humara jo dootavaas hai, sabhi jo nagrik hain, kya unse kisi prakaar se sampark kar paaya hai ya is baare mein koi intezaam hua hai?

[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Kadambini Sharma, independent journalist. Sir, you spoke about our nationals in Iran. Many families of students here are saying that they themselves are unable to get in touch with their children. In such a situation, has our embassy there been able to contact our nationals in any way, or has any arrangement been made for this?

Kallol Bhattacherjee, The Hindu: Kallol from The Hindu sir. Sir you just quoted a trade figure for Iran and I wanted to ask you a question about the totality of the relationship between India and Iran. And when we look at it from that point of view, we find Iran has been supportive of India on multiple issues including very critical issues like Kashmir. And Iran's support goes back to 1980s and 1990s when Iran stood beside India in defending what India's position is on Kashmir. So when we look at a possible exit of India from Chabahar and the trade figure that you just quoted, I mean does it look like that India is disregarding India's partnership with Iran... in the long-term partnership with Iran especially in... even in Afghanistan. So does it look like you are downgrading the relation with Iran because of external pressure in the current circumstances?

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson:Okay. Umashankar, pehla… pehla sawaal aapka. Travel advisory ke zariye humne bataya ki commercial flights ka option, ka vikalp logon ke liye hai abhi, to woh log iska istemaal kar sakte hain. Jahan tak… unke… hitt ki baat hai, humare nagrik hain, unke hit ki baat hai, unke welfare ki baat hai, jaisa ki maine kaha… zarurat padne par jo bhi necessary kadam, jo bhi zarurat… zarurat ke kadam honge, woh hum log uthayenge.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Okay, Umashankar, your first question… Through the travel advisory, we have informed that the option of commercial flights is currently available for people, and they can make use of it. As far as the interests of our nationals are concerned-their safety and welfare-as I mentioned earlier, if the need arises, we will take all necessary measures required to ensure that.

Keshav, on the Secretary of State conversation, yes trade was part of the conversation as we have also made it out... put it out in our release. As we have... as I have said this on several occasions earlier as well, trade teams on both sides remain engaged with the objective of arriving at a mutually beneficial bilateral trade agreement. As I said, External Affairs Minister spoke to Secretary of State, this happened on 20... sorry, 13th of January. And trade was one of the matters that was discussed between the two leaders.

Vijai Laxmi, haan, 10 logon ko hirasat mein liya hai un logon ko, jaise maine pehle bataya tha. Aur unke liye hum logon ne consular access maanga hai wahan sarkar se aur wahan ki sarkar se bhi hum log unke bhalai ke liye aur unke hitt ke liye lagataar sampark mein hain. Aur… jab jaise bhi hum logon ko jis… jaise hi humko consular access in logon ke baare mein milega, to humko aur vistaarit jaankari aapko hum de paayenge.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Vijai Laxmi, yes, 10 people have been taken into custody, as I mentioned earlier. For them, we have requested consular access from the Iranian government, and we are also in continuous contact with their authorities for the welfare and interests of these individuals. As soon as we receive consular access regarding these people, we will be able to provide you with more detailed information.

Kadambini, aapka sawaal tha kis prakaar se hum log wahan par jo humare nagrik hain unse sampark mein hain. Bharatiya samudaay ke jaise maine bataya ki 9000 log alag-alag shahar mein rehte hain wahan par. Unse alag-alag tareeke se humari embassy sampark mein hai aur unka… unki dekhbhaal kar rahi hai.

Thodi dikkat hai wahan par abhi kuch… kai ek maayne mein. Lekin… uske alaava… humare log hain wahan par, embassy hai, samudaay ke log hain aur kai ek tareeke se hum log apne nagrikon ke… se jude hue hain, unse baatcheet kar rahe hain aur unki dekhbhaal kar rahe hain.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Kadambini, your question was about how we are in contact with our nationals there. As I mentioned, the Indian community-around 9,000 people-reside in different cities across Iran. Our embassy is in contact with them in various ways and is looking after their welfare.

There are some difficulties there at the moment in certain respects. However, apart from that, our people are there, embassy is there, community members are there, and through various channels, we remain connected with our nationals, continue to communicate with them, and are taking care of their well-being.

Kallol, we have a long-standing partnership, relationship with Iran. We are looking at... closely following the developments that are happening. We're looking at the evolving situation and we will accordingly take... take our... partnership forward.

Sanjeev Trivedi, News 24:Sir, News 24 se Sanjeev Trivedi sir. Aur mera prashn yeh hai ki… 29 January se… vimanan ka parichalan shuru hoga Dhaka aur Karachi ke beech mein. Aapne poorv mein bataya hai ki bilateral air service agreement ke zariye cheezen tay hongi. Iska arth kya hua sir, kya hum… Karachi jaane denge Bangladesh se jo viman udega use apne air space ke zariye?

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Sir, I am Sanjeev Trivedi from News 24. My question is… From 29 January, flight operations will begin between Dhaka and Karachi. You had earlier mentioned that things will be decided through the bilateral air services agreement. What does this mean, sir? Will we allow flights coming from Bangladesh to Karachi to pass through our airspace?

Srinjoy Chowdhury, Times Now: Sir, Times Now, Srinjoy. Russia, China... Iran, South Africa, all... countries, BRICS countries... at the invitation of South Africa... began a naval exercise in the Indian Ocean. India was invited... but... India is not taking part. Could you let us know sir, what... transpired?

Gautam Lahiri:Thank you sir. This is about a comment made by the Jamaat-e-Islami of Bangladesh... he gave an interview to an international agency where he claimed... that two Indian diplomats have met him. As India is reaching out to many parties, whether India is also reaching out to Jamaat-e-Islami?

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson:Okay. Sanjeev, pehla… dekhiye, maine pehle bhi bataya tha aapko ki… jo bhi viman sandarbh… viman ke sandarbh pe… nagrik udaan ke sandarbh mein jo bhi Bangladesh aur Bharat ke beech mein… jo bhi masla hai, woh jo humare abhi ke jo existing air services agreement hai, uske tahat mein hoga. To us tahat… air services agreement mein bahut saari cheezen hain. Usko dekhte hue phir baat ki jaayegi. Usko dekha jaayega ki is prastaav par kya rukh… kaise isko aage le jaya jaa sakta hai.

[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Okay, Sanjeev, first… look, as I had mentioned earlier, regarding any flights-any civil aviation matters between Bangladesh and India-these will be handled under the existing Air Services Agreement. This agreement covers a number of provisions. Keeping those in view, the matter will be examined, and a decision will be taken on how to proceed with this proposal.

Srinjoy... well I have seen that... and you would have seen several reports that this particular exercise is being held in... at the invitation of South Africa and several countries have joined. India has not joined... because of... several reasons. I don't have the exact... but... for sure I will keep update you as to why we were not able to participate in this particular exercise this time.

Gautam, on your question we have close bilateral ties with Bangladesh as you are well aware. Our High Commission officials routinely they meet with several interlocutors. Our interaction with... with the entity that you just mentioned should be viewed in that context.

With that ladies and gentlemen... we come to the close of this session. Thank you very much.

New Delhi
January 16, 2026