Transcript of Weekly Media Briefing by the Official Spokesperson (March 12, 2026)

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson:Good afternoon, friends. Namaskar to all of you. Let's begin our conversation. I open the floor. We start from here. Sidhant.

Sidhant, WION: Sir, I am Sidhant from WION. My question is regarding the movement of Indian vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. What's the situation like? How much is there worry for New Delhi, and has it been in any conversation with the Iranian side raising the matter?

Uma Shankar Singh, Independent Journalist:Uma Shankar Singh, independent journalist. Is tarah ki jankari aa rahi hai ki Jaishankar aur Araghchi ke beech ki baatcheet ke baad ye sehmati bani hai aur manzoori di hai Iran ne ki Bharat tel lekar aane wale jahazon ko permission de di gai hai. Kya is baat mein sachhai hai, aadhikarik taur pe agar aap bata payein?

[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi]Uma Shankar Singh, independent journalist. There are reports coming in that after the conversation between Jaishankar and Araghchi, an understanding has been reached and Iran has approved permission for ships carrying oil for India to pass through. Is there any truth to this? If possible, could you clarify this officially?

Kadambini Sharma, Independent Journalist: Kadambini Sharma, independent journalist. Is baat ki bhi kuchh reports hain ki do jahaz jo hain unko Iran ne permission diya Strait of Hormuz se guzarne ke liye. Kya ye sahi hai?

[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi]Kadambini Sharma, independent journalist. There are also some reports suggesting that two ships have been given permission by Iran to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Is this correct?

Dhairya Maheshwari, Sputnik: Sir, Dhairya Maheshwari, Sputnik. Sir, we saw the telephone call between EAM Jaishankar and Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov yesterday. Sir, can we confirm whether energy security and you know, possible cooperation in oil sector were on the agenda as well?

Pranay Upadhyay, India Today / Aaj Tak: Sir, Pranay Upadhyay, India Today Aaj Tak se. Videsh Mantri Dr. Jaishankar aur unke Iranian counterpart ke beech mein ab tak teen baar phone call pe baatcheet ho chuki hai. Aap agar ye bata sakein ki kitne Bhartiya nagrik abhi wahan par hain Iran ke andar, unki suraksha ko lekar kya sthiti hai aur kitne Bhartiyon ko wahan se ab tak nikala ja chuka hai, aur Bhartiya jo urja suraksha hai usko lekar kitne ships hamare abhi tak stranded hain? Kal jo figure bataya gaya tha kya uske andar koi badlav aaya hai, aur kya Iran ki permission ki zarurat hai ya hum escort kar rahe hain? Kis tareeke se ye movement ho raha hai?

[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi]Sir, Pranay Upadhyay from India Today - Aaj Tak. There have been three phone conversations so far between External Affairs Minister Dr. Jaishankar and his Iranian counterpart. Could you please tell us how many Indian citizens are currently in Iran, what the situation is regarding their safety, and how many Indians have been evacuated from there so far?

Also, with regard to India's energy security, how many of our ships are currently stranded? Has there been any change in the figure that was shared yesterday? And do these ships require permission from Iran to move, or are we escorting them? In what manner is this movement taking place?

Rishabh, Times Now: Sir, Rishabh from Times Now. Sir, there are reports, unconfirmed reports that Indian students have already reached the borders of Azerbaijan and Armenia. Has there been any communication with Azerbaijan and Armenia that our students can be, you know, escorted out from there for safe return and if we can have the number of Indian students or Indian nationals in Iran?

And sir, another question unrelated, but Pakistan has been accusing India to playing with Taliban. And all the attacks that have taken place at the Durand line, Pakistan has been accusing us for that.

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson:Okay. So let me take care of these questions first. Sidhant and Uma Shankar, your questions are similar, so let me first address your part.

External Affairs Minister and Foreign Minister of Iran have had three conversations in the recent days. The last one discussed issues pertaining to safety of shipping and India's energy security. Beyond that, it would be premature for me to say anything.

Pichhle kuchh dinon mein Videsh Mantri aur Iran ke Videsh Mantri ke beech teen baar baatcheet hui hai. Antim baatcheet mein shipping ki suraksha aur Bharat ki urja suraksha se jude muddon par charcha ki gai. Iske alawa abhi mere liye kuchh bhi kehna jaldbaazi hoga.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi]External Affairs Minister and Foreign Minister of Iran have had three conversations in the recent days. The last one discussed issues pertaining to safety of shipping and India's energy security. Beyond that, it would be premature for me to say anything.

Kadambini, jahan tak aapka sawal hai do jahaz ko leke, mere khayal se saadhe paanch baje ek aur press briefing hai jis mein hamare shipping mantralay ke saathigan wahan honge. Unke paas agar aap ye sawal le ke jayen, to shayad … kyunki bahut technical hai, mere paas itna update nahi hai, wo shayad aapka jawab sahi dhang se de sakte hain.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Kadambini, regarding your question about the two ships, I believe there is another press briefing at around 5:30 where our colleagues from the Ministry of Shipping will be present. If you take this question there, since it is quite technical and I do not have that much of an update on it, they may be able to provide you with a proper and accurate response.

Pranay, on Indians in Iran. Now, we've had some 9,000 Indian nationals or thereabouts who are there in Iran. These 9,000 Indian nationals comprise students, they also comprise seafarers, some business people, some professionals, and some pilgrims.

Of these 9,000, … you would have seen that we had issued an advisory some time back. Our mission had issued an advisory. Following those advisories which were issued on 14th of January if I am not wrong, and 23rd of February, several Indian nationals, mostly students, a lot of students, they left the country and reached home. We have recently, as you know, we have shifted several Indian nationals including students and pilgrims who were based in Tehran to other safer locations and cities in the country.

We are also assisting Indian nationals who wish to travel to Azerbaijan and Armenia, and from there to take commercial flights to return home. We are assisting them with visas, we are also assisting them with land border crossings. So this is happening. We have had several Indian nationals who have approached us and we have helped them to cross over into Azerbaijan and Armenia, and from there to take commercial options of flying back home.

I would take this opportunity to advise all Indian nationals who are desiring to leave Iran via land borders, they should adhere to the advisory that our embassy has issued. This was issued on 9th March and they will do the needful. Our mission in Tehran, needless to say, stays in constant touch with our community members and is offering all possible assistance to them.

Dekhiye, Iran mein kariban-kariban 9,000 hamare Bharatiya nagarik hain. Usme se zyadatar log wahan shiksha ke liye gaye hon, chahe woh medical shiksha ho ya koi anya shiksha ho. Wahan par navik log bhi hain, kuch vyavasaya jagat se jude log hain. Kuch wahan par jo log pilgrims ke roop mein wahan par gaye hain, woh log hain.

Inmein se kai log jab 14 January ko aur 23 February ko hum logon ne ek advisory jari ki thi ki aap desh chhodein, toh bahut saare log, khaskar students, wahan se Iran chhod ke hamare yahan ghar wapas aa gaye. Uske baad bhi jab yuddh shuru hua, yeh conflict shuru hua, toh hum logon ne bahut saare chhatragan jo Tehran mein the aur anya log jo Tehran mein the, pilgrims, unko hum logon ne wahan se anya shehron mein hum jaake unko le gaye taaki unki suraksha par dhyan diya jaye.

Bahut saare aise Bharatiya nagarik hain jo ichhuk hain ki wahan se Iran se wapas aayein, aur uske liye woh log sadak marg se Armenia aur Azerbaijan jaake, aur in dono deshon se jo commercial options hain hawai jahaz ka, usko leke woh Bharat wapas aana chahte hain. Unko hamari embassy madad kar rahi hai visa ke saath. Aur saath hi saath taaki wahan aapko border paar karna padta hai, wahan pe jo gatividhiyan hoti hain, unke saath hamari embassy unko madad kar rahi hai.

Aur main saath hi saath yeh kehna chahta hoon ki jo bhi Bharatiya nagarik Iran se wapas aana chahta hai, woh hamari embassy se sampark karein. Hum logon ne ek advisory jari ki hai khaas un logon ke liye jo ki land border se Armenia aur Azerbaijan ko paar karke wahan se wapas Bharat aana chahte hain. Main yeh bhi kehna chahta hoon ki Tehran mein jo hamara mission hai woh puri tarah se karyarat hai aur hamare Bharatiya samuday ke saath juda hua hai, unke hit ke liye aur unki suraksha ke liye.

Jahan tak Pranay aapne jahaz ki baat kahi, kal mere khayal se hamare jo sathi gan hain jahaz ke mantralaya se, unhone bataya tha, ek ank aapko diya tha. Toh us par aur bhi khulasa aaj jab press mein hamari baatcheet hogi toh us par shayad aap unse sawal poochh sakte hain. Iske baare mein latest update mere paas nahi hai.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Look, there are approximately 9,000 Indian nationals in Iran. Most of them are there for educational purposes, whether for medical studies or other forms of education. There are also seafarers present there, some people associated with the business community, and a few who have gone there as pilgrims.

When we issued advisories on 14 January and again on 23 February asking people to leave the country, many individuals among them-especially students-left Iran and returned home to India.

After that, when the war began and this conflict started, we relocated many students who were in Tehran, as well as other people there-such as pilgrims-to other cities. Our teams went there and moved them so that greater attention could be given to their safety.

Many Indian nationals are willing to return from Iran. For this purpose, they plan to travel by road to Armenia and Azerbaijan, and from these two countries they intend to take commercial flight options to return to India. Our embassies are assisting them with visa-related matters, and since they need to cross the border, our missions are also helping them with the necessary procedures and coordination required for such movements.

I would also like to say that any Indian national who wishes to return from Iran should get in touch with our embassy. We have issued an advisory specifically for those who intend to cross the land borders into Armenia or Azerbaijan and then return to India from there. I would also like to add that our mission in Tehran is fully operational and remains closely engaged with the Indian community, working in their interest and ensuring their safety.

Pranay, regarding the matter of the ships that you mentioned, I believe our colleagues from the Ministry of Shipping shared a figure with you yesterday. There may be further clarification on this when they speak to the press today, and you may ask them about it then. At the moment, I do not have the latest update on this.

Unidentified Speaker: Sir, kya hamari baatcheet …

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Dekhiye, jo hamari baatcheet hui hai hamare Videsh Mantri aur Iran ke Videsh Mantri ke beech mein, uske baare mein aapko maine byora diya aur usse avgat karaya, toh main usse zyada kuch nahi kehna chahta hoon.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi]Look, regarding the conversation that took place between our External Affairs Minister and the Foreign Minister of Iran, I have already given you the details and apprised you of it. Beyond that, I would not like to say anything further.

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson:Rishabh, you had a question on Pakistan about the statement that they had made. So on that, I would like to say that we reject such baseless allegations. It has become second nature for Pakistan to blame India for its misdeeds. As a state sponsor of terrorism for decades, Pakistan has zero credibility when it comes to cross-border terrorism. No amount of storytelling is going to alter this reality, nor is anyone fooled by Pakistan's assumed victimhood.

Dhairya, you had asked about the conversation between Foreign Minister Lavrov and External Affairs Minister, Post the conversation which happened yesterday, if I am not wrong, we have given details of that conversation where the two leaders shared their perspectives and assessment on the ongoing conflict … and several other issues were also discussed.

Ayushi Agarwal, ANI: Sir, this is Ayushi Agarwal from ANI. Prime Minister has spoken with leaders across the Gulf and Israel. Has India been able to establish any diplomatic communication at the leadership level with Iran after the strikes? And second, does India believe the current escalation could impact regional initiatives such as the IMEC which was announced in 2023?

Archis Mohan, Business Standard: Sir, Archis Mohan from Business Standard. During COVID, we had been extremely generous with our smaller neighbours in helping them out. In the context of the conflict in West Asia, have there been any requests from India's smaller neighbours, whether Bangladesh or Nepal, both in terms of evacuating their citizens or ensuring their respective energy security? Thank you.

Suhasini Haidar, The Hindu: India has co-sponsored a resolution at the UN that was taken up at the UNSC, in which Iran is very clearly criticized for its attacks on Gulf countries. And about seven or eight statements you have put out in the last two weeks, you have also very specifically criticized Iran for its attacks. We haven't however seen any comments from the Indian government on the US-Israel attacks on Iran, on the US bombing of the IRIS Dena, and of the US bombing of a school which the US government has now accepted it has done in Iran as well. I'd like to know what is the Indian position on the actions taken by the US and Israel, arguably the first actions in this war.

Jessica Taneja, Doordarshan: Hi sir, this is Jessica Taneja for Doordarshan Network. Sir, I have two questions. The first, we've seen some remarks made by commentators that India took five days to sign the condolence book at the Iranian Embassy for the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. Is this correct?

And secondly, Pakistan has expressed some concerns regarding the India-Canada uranium deal that was signed during the time of the visit of the Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney. Any comments on that?

Krishnamohan: Kyunki humara regional cooperation ke tahat jin countries ko hum oil product export karte hain, agar yahi sthiti rehti hai toh kya unki supply par bhi koi asar padega?

[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi]Since, under our regional cooperation, we export oil products to certain countries, if this situation continues, will it also have any impact on their supply?

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay, let's... Ayushi, first come to your question. Our Prime Minister, as you know, has spoken to several leaders in the Gulf after the conflict started. In these conversations, he stressed on the need for dialogue and diplomacy so that early peace can return. He also underlined the need to avoid civilian casualties and he focused on the priority for protection of civilians. We have a large Indian community in the GCC countries and obviously, their security and welfare is of utmost importance, this was highlighted. We also, in several cases, condemned the violation of sovereignty and territorial integrity of states.

As far as contacts with Iran is concerned, yes, our External Affairs Minister has been talking with his counterpart and three conversations have happened in the recent few days. As far as the impact of the war, it is there for everybody of this conflict to see what's happening around and obviously, you know, it has several issues, several of our lives have been impacted by it, and not just ours but of people and countries around the world.

Archis, on energy assistance to countries in the neighborhood. First, I would come to Bangladesh. As you know, India is a major exporter of refined petroleum products, especially to our neighborhood. We have received a request from the Government of Bangladesh for supply of diesel, which is being examined. Given our people-centric and development-oriented approach to relations with Bangladesh, we have been supplying diesel from Numaligarh Refinery since 2007 through various modes which includes waterways, rail, and later through the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline. A sale-purchase agreement was signed in October 2017 between Numaligarh Refinery and Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation for supply of high-speed diesel on mutually agreed terms.

It bears mention that while diesel exports to Bangladesh have largely continued since 2017, India's refining capacity, our own requirements, and diesel availability will be factored in while taking decisions. In addition, I would also like to say that we have received such requests from several other countries including Sri Lanka and Maldives, and these are being examined taking into account our own energy requirements and availability that we have.

Jaisa ki aap jante hain, Bharat refined petroleum utpadon ka pramukh niryatak hai, vishesh roop se humare padosiyon ke liye. Jaisa ki maine abhi bataya, Bangladesh ka hawala diya. Humne Bangladesh sarkar ki diesel aapurti ke liye unse ek anurodh humko prapt hua hai, jis par vichar kiya ja raha hai.

Bangladesh ke saath sambandhon ke prati humare jan-kendrit aur vikas-unmukh drishtikon ko dekhte hue hum 2007 se Numaligarh Refinery se vibhinn madhyamo, vibhinn madhyam matlab ki jal marg, rail marg aur baad mein Bharat-Bangladesh Maitri Pipeline jo banaya gaya uske madhyam se diesel ki aapurti unke liye kar rahe hain.

October 2017 mein Numaligarh Refinery aur Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation ke beech ek parasparik roop se sehmat sharto par high-speed diesel ki aapurti ke liye ek sale purchase agreement, bikri-kharid samjhaute par hastakshar kiye gaye the. Yeh ullekhniya hai ki halanki 2007 se Bangladesh ko diesel ka niryaat kafi had tak jaari raha hai, lekin nirnay lete samay Bharat ki refining capacity, humari apni avashyakta aur diesel ki uplabdhta ko dhyan mein rakha jayega.

Iske alawa, hum logo ko humare pados ke desho se aur kai ek desho se wo jismein ki Sri Lanka bhi shamil hai aur Maldives bhi shamil hai, unse ek request aaya hai. Hum log us par usko examine kar rahe hain aur ye dekhte hue ki humari apni khud ka kitna requirement hai aur saath hi saath kis prakar ki availability in cheezon ki hai humare paas.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi]As you know, India is a major exporter of refined petroleum products, especially to our neighboring countries. As I just mentioned, referring to Bangladesh, we have received a request from the Government of Bangladesh regarding the supply of diesel, and this request is currently under consideration.

Keeping in view our people-centric and development-oriented approach towards our relations with Bangladesh, we have been supplying diesel since 2007 from the Numaligarh Refinery through various means-initially via waterways and railways, and later through the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline.

In October 2017, a Sale and Purchase Agreement for the supply of high-speed diesel was signed between Numaligarh Refinery and the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation on mutually agreed terms.

It may be noted that although the export of diesel to Bangladesh has largely continued since 2017, while taking any decision, India's refining capacity, our own domestic requirements, and the availability of diesel will be taken into consideration.

In addition, we have also received requests from several neighboring countries, including Sri Lanka and Maldives. These requests are currently being examined. While doing so, we will carefully assess our own domestic demand as well as the availability of these petroleum products before taking any decision.

Suhasini, yes, we have co-sponsored the GCC-led resolution at the UN Security Council. We have 135 countries who have co-sponsored this particular resolution. The resolution reflects several of our positions. As you know that we have a large diaspora in the GCC countries and their well-being and welfare is of utmost importance. The Gulf is also very important for our energy security needs.

As far as the other aspects of your questions are concerned, we have issued statements dated 28th February, on 3rd March, and thereafter External Affairs Minister also made a suo motu statement in the parliament where he has dealt with some of the issues that you referred to.

As far as the question of the school children you talked about is concerned … as I have said, we have issued several statements on the ongoing conflict. We have underlined the need for prioritizing the safety of all civilians. We regret the precious lives lost and express our grief in that regard.

Jessica, coming to your question on the condolence book signing. Let me clarify the issue for you and for everybody here. As you are aware, Foreign Secretary signed the condolence book at the Iranian Embassy on behalf of the Government of India. He did so on 5th March itself, which was the first day of the opening of the book. It would do well for commentators to first update themselves on important matters before they choose to speak in public. Such ill-informed comments are best avoided.

Your other question was again about the India-Canada deal on which some statement has been made. Let me say, we reject the statement made by Pakistan on the matter. India's credentials regarding non-proliferation are impeccable and well recognized by the global community. A country with a well-documented history of clandestine nuclear proliferation can hardly preach the virtues of export controls and proliferation risks. Such ludicrous statements are nothing more than an attempt by Pakistan to distract from its own abysmal record.

Krishnamohan, jaisa ki maine bataya tha aapko ki kai saare deshon se hamko unki taraf se request aaya hai, aur us request ko hum examine kar rahe hain, aur examine karne ke darmiyan mein hum yeh dekh rahe hain ki iski kitni aapurti hai, aur kitni availability hamaare paas mein hai, aur hamaari apni khud ki kitni hamaari zaroorat hai.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Krishnamohan, as I mentioned earlier, we have received requests from several countries. We are currently examining those requests, and during this process we are assessing the level of supply, the availability we have, and our own domestic requirements before making any decisions.

Rajesh Roy, Bloomberg: Hello sir, I'm Rajesh Roy from Bloomberg. I know you're not expanding on the shipping part on Iran. But as you said, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar in his last conversation with his Iranian counterpart discussed security of shipping and energy security. Are we looking for safe passage of all 24 ships in the west of Hormuz or to start with, say oil tankers or all cargoes inbound for India? Anything on that?

Sumita Kareer, ET Now: Hi sir, this is Sumita from ET Now. Just wanted to get your reaction on India easing Press Note 3 related restrictions for countries that share land border with India. Thank you.

Abhimanyu Sharma, CNBC TV18: Sir, this is Abhimanyu Sharma from CNBC TV18. Sir, if you can clarify that several reports have claimed that India has reached out to Iran seeking a safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz. Has India made such a request? Has Iran granted an assurance or a safe passage?

Gautam Lahiri:Thank you sir, this is Gautam Lahiri. The question about the two Bangladeshi nationals have been arrested in West Bengal in connection with the murder of a political leader before the election... actually that happened before the election. Now Bangladesh is demanding extradition of those two accused. So what is the process, I want to know when he can be deported. And subsequent to that, Bangladesh mission has asked for consular access. So, whether we are giving any access to them or not?

Tripti Lahiri, Wall Street Journal:Hi, Tripti Lahiri with the Wall Street Journal. India is hosting a number of Iranians from the IRIS Lavan and Sri Lanka is in a similar position with about 240. Can you talk a little bit about the plans for these nationals? Will they remain in India till the war has ended? What kinds of consultations are you having with Iran, the US, Sri Lanka on this matter?

Manas, PTI:Manas from PTI. As we have ramped up our diplomatic outreach in the wake of the crisis and it is deepening … so what is our overall assessment as of now over the unfolding situation in West Asia in terms of safety of Indians or in terms of our energy security, how we see this at this point? And second question, very brief one, a lot of reports we have seen actually about various countries including Japan considering deployment of military ships to escort their tankers. So, will India also consider such an option? Thank you.

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay, let me go through these. Now, Rajesh, your question and then Abhimanyu, your question again, you know, I have already answered what I had to say. External Affairs Minister spoke to his counterpart in Iran and I have given you those details that I just shared. Beyond that, I don't have anything further to add.

Sumita, on Press Note 3, yes, this decision was taken. A detailed press release has been issued by PIB which says that this particular instrument is also to promote India as a preferred destination for manufacturing and for investment. So please have a look at that.

Gautam , on your question, see, there is a press release which was issued by the West Bengal Police on this particular matter. Now, this particular matter, it involves law enforcement-related investigation which is ongoing. So therefore, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on this particular matter.

Tripti, coming to your question, see, the External Affairs Minister had made a suo motu statement in the Parliament on 9th March. And there he had conveyed that Iran had requested permission on 28th February for three ships in the region to dock at our ports. The permission was accorded on 1st March. IRIS Lavan docked on 4th March in Kochi. The crew, as you know, is currently in Indian naval facilities there. We will keep you updated on further developments in this regard.

Hamare Videsh Mantri ne Parliament mein 9 March ko ek suo moto bayaan jaari kiya tha. Us bayaan ke tehat unhone bataya tha ki Iran ki taraf se 28 February ko teen jahazon ko hamare yahan langar daalne ke liye unhone permission maanga tha, anumati maangi thi. Hum logon ne 1 March ko ye anumati di. IRIS Lavan jo hai, 4 March ko Cochin aaya, Cochin bandargah mein unhone langar daala, aur unke jo crew ke sadasya hain, wo abhi hamare Bhartiya nausena ke parisar mein hain. Aur is mudde par aur jaankari, jo bhi naye ispe jo development hote hain, usse hum aapko avgat karaate rahenge.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi]Our External Affairs Minister issued a suo motu statement in Parliament on 9 March. In that statement, he mentioned that on 28 February Iran had requested permission for three of its ships to dock at our ports. We granted this permission on 1 March. The ship IRIS Lavan arrived in Cochin on 4 March and anchored at the Cochin port. Its crew members are currently in the premises of the Indian Navy. We will continue to keep you informed about this matter as and when there are new developments.

Manas, now your question. See, we have been issuing regular statements. The statement made by the External Affairs Minister in the Parliament is comprehensive. He has given an account of how we have actively... all our embassies in the region have reached out to the community, they have established... they have issued advisories, they're helping our people, our tourists who were stranded there, several other Indian nationals, and helping them to come back to India. A large number of them have come back. We also have commercial flight options available from several destinations and those are being utilized by our nationals to come back.

We have also, in the Ministry of External Affairs, we have set up a special control room where we get queries and emails from our nationals as to how we can help them. And we are doing our best to help our Indian nationals and our community in the GCC countries and elsewhere.

On your second question, we have seen some reports, what you referred. We are closely following the developments in the ongoing conflict. We will take appropriate measures as per our assessment.

Raghavendra Verma, German Television, ZDF: Yeah, this is Raghavendra Verma from German Television, ZDF. Sir, my question is regarding the flight disruptions in light of the Gulf route which is now blocked for the Indian airlines. The Pakistan way becomes crucial. Has there been any talk with Pakistan for the reciprocal opening of airspace?

Agni, ABP: Sir, this is Agni from ABP. It's been reported that Bangladeshi Military Intelligence Chief has had a series of meeting in New Delhi. Can you please elaborate on that?

Seema Guha, Outlook Magazine:Seema Guha from Outlook magazine. Former NSA Shivshankar Menon has been very critical of the government not expressing proper condolences for the killing of the Iranian supreme leader. And he said that at least a minister could have gone. What do you have to say to that?

Sachin, Times of India: Hi, Sachin from the Times of India. Just as a follow-up to one of the previous questions. Why is it that we have not been able to establish any sort of contact with the Iranian president till now? The External Affairs Minister when he spoke in the Parliament, he said that efforts are underway, but these have not proved successful in the current circumstances. But yesterday we saw that the Iranian President spoke to the Pakistani Prime Minister basically talking about the need to probe the root causes of the Israel-US war on Iran. So, what is it that is preventing a contact at the leadership level between the two leaders?

Yeshi Seli, Business India: This is Yeshi Seli from Business India. I'd like to know, in West Asia, these countries like Bahrain, UAE, which have been impacted by drone attacks, how many Indians have come back from there?

And the second question is on Nepal. Prime Minister Modi spoke to Balen Shah after his victory. Has he also extended an invite for him to come to India?

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay. Raghavendra, regarding your question on air services, etc., we have had no conversation with Pakistan in this regard.

Agni, regarding the visit of the DGFI, I think, yes, he was here on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue he had meetings with several of his interlocutors here.

Seema, to your question, see, I have already said that the Foreign Secretary signed the condolence book at the Iranian Embassy on behalf of the Government of India. And he did so on the first day of the opening of the book, on 5th March.

Seema Guha, Outlook Magazine:I asked about the Minister, sir.

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Foreign Secretary, on behalf of the Government of India, signed this book, the condolence book. And I have already spoken about it. So I will refer you to my statements made in this regard.

Sachin, to your question, see, the External Affairs Minister made a statement in the Parliament. So, please refer to that. In addition, I would like to say that we have had constant engagement between India and Iran. We have the External Affairs Minister speaking to the Foreign Minister of Iran several times in the last few days.

Yeshi, to your question on Nepal. Well, you saw that after the successful conclusion of elections in Nepal, we have welcomed the conclusion of these elections. And our Prime Minister has had telephonic conversations with Mr. Rabi Lamichhane, who happens to be the Chairman of Rashtriya Swatantra Party (RSP), as also with Mr. Balen Shah, who is a senior leader of the party. He congratulated both leaders on their electoral victory and on their party's, that is RSP's, resounding success.

PM conveyed to them that as a close friend and neighbor, India remains steadfast in its commitment to working closely with the people of Nepal and the new government, and to scale new heights of shared peace, progress, and prosperity. As you know that India and Nepal have a unique and multifaceted partnership and relationship, and we expect this dynamic to continue and grow from strength to strength in the coming days and years ahead.

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

New Delhi
March 12, 2026