‘Totally Unacceptable’: India Stands Firm With Saudi, Condemns Attacks on Aramco & Civilian Sites

You have seen that there have been a string of attacks in Saudi Arabia and we have condemned those attacks. Yesterday also there was an attack on Aramco headquarters. We condemn all such attacks on civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia and we feel that such attacks need to cease immediately. They are totally unacceptable. We stand in solidarity with the people and government of Saudi Arabia in defence of their sovereignty and we hope that there is a return to peace and normalcy in the region soon. In so far as the situation of our people, we have a large diaspora there. We also, our embassy in Saudi Arabia, they have been in regular touch with our community members for their welfare. At the same time, they issued advisories. We also have a lot of travellers between Saudi Arabia and India. Some of them have been impacted because there have been disruptions in the flight schedule after the attack on the Riyadh International Airport and other airport that happened in Saudi Arabia. Indian carriers have been impacted. There have been disruptions. But Saudi Arabian Airlines, several flight operations are happening. Those flights are moving between India and Saudi Arabia. The ones which have been disrupted, the airlines connections, are those originating or going to Riyadh, to Dammam, to Medina, and to one or two more airports, Jeddah, for example. We have a lot of travelers there, but our embassy is in touch with our people there, and hopefully as things settle down or as they are continuing to provide updated information to our travelers or people who are stuck there. attack that had happened on 10th of October, 12 people, as I had informed you earlier, had been injured. One of them unfortunately passed away. His last rites, as per the wishes of the family, was performed in Riyadh and the embassy assisted the last rites. Our ambassador was also there. There are three people who have been discharged of the 11 and eight people continue to be in the hospital, four of them in ICU. Our embassy officials are regularly visiting them in the hospital. At the same time, they are also in touch with their family members. We remain committed to doing our best for the welfare and well-being of our nationals abroad. So, that was what I had to say in response to your question, Siddhant. Kavita, your question about how many people are stuck, I don't have this data. But I I would like to tell you that there is a lot of confusion between India and Saudi Arabia. A lot of people have gone there. They have gone to Jeddah because they have to go to Mecca. But our embassy is helping the airlines, the community, and those who need help. And we believe that if the situation gets better, people will be able to come back home. Some of our Indian ships have been disrupted, but Saudi Arabia's airlines are still operating. So there is a possibility, but our embassy is doing its best to help. Ayushi, your question was regarding the conversation that our external affairs minister, sorry, the National Security Advisor had with his counterpart in Iran. This conversation happened on 12th of October. National Security Advisor, he spoke to the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran, His Excellency Dr. Mohsen Rezaei. They discussed bilateral issues. They also discussed regional situation and international development. And during the meeting, the safety and security of Indian seafarers was raised, as also the safety and security of Indian tankers was also raised. Keshav, regarding the upcoming visit, you said what issues will be discussed. Well, several issues of bilateral nature will be discussed when we have this meeting. On your question about the conversation between the Prime Minister of Canada and our Prime Minister, We have given you a readout of what was the discussion about. Prime Minister Modi had visited India recently, I mean some months back. There is a positive momentum in this particular relationship on various aspects of our bilateral cooperation, strategic partnership and its progress in the areas of trade, investment, energy, technology, security. All these aspects came up for discussion when the two prime ministers had their conversation on the bilateral relationship. So, that is where we are. Let's go forward. Huma from Strategic Global. Is there any update by when can we expect the India-US trade deal? One of the leading minority groups in Bangladesh, the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, has today issued a statement talking about the Durga Puja celebrations. And while they say that they quote about 141 incidents which include killings over the last three months, the point that they are making is that, you know, there have not been any arrests. And according to them, you know, there is like a continuous effort to incite communal tensions and hurt religious sentiments. I want you to understand, because the minority organization in Bangladesh has in the past also raised this issue and continues to do so right now. What is the government of India's position on this subject? Okay. Vinita. This is Vinita Pandey from the Asian Age Deccan Chronicle. What is the status of the India-Canada trade deal since it is expected that Prime Minister Modi is going to visit Canada in December? Will it be concluded before that? Okay. Kalol. Kalol from The Hindu, sir. There was a Home Minister-level dialogue yesterday of the BIMSTEC in Delhi in which Bangladesh's Home Minister, Salahuddin Ahmed, was expected to participate. But in place of Salahuddin Ahmed, the Home Secretary of Bangladesh has participated. Is this the second time that no representation hasn't happened at an appropriate level from Bangladesh? Your statement, sir, on this? Because earlier Tariq Rehman was invited for BRICS summit. Amiti? Sir, Amiti from Hindu Business Line. The energy cooperation has been highlighted as one of the areas of discussions during Rubio's visit. So in yesterday's statement issued by the US government, So, given the fact that he is also visiting Jamnagar, what kind of cooperation are we looking at? Okay. First, Huma on India-U.S. trade deal. I think you would have heard the External Affairs Minister, he also spoke on it while participating in the New Economy Forum. Both sides remain engaged on this particular matter for a mutually beneficial bilateral trade agreement. Jugal, on your question, it is our expectation that such issues would be addressed by the Bangladeshi side. Vinita, on India-Canada, we have the Canadian Trade Minister in town. Yesterday, I think, he had a conversation with the Commerce Minister where discussions happened as to how to advance negotiations. This is now the fifth round of negotiations happening in Ottawa, I think, a week back or so. Both sides remain in touch to conclude a mutually beneficial CEPA agreement. Kallol, on BIMSTEC, we had a good, it was the inaugural Home Minister's dialogue or conversation of the BRICS platform, sorry, BIMSTEC platform. The BIMSTEC Home Minister's dialogue was hosted by Honourable Home Minister of India. We had participation from all BIMSTEC countries. And post the conversation, the meeting, a Delhi declaration was also adopted wherein the commitment of all the BIMSTEC countries to strengthen cooperation across a range of areas including fight against terrorism, counter-narcotics measures, anti-money laundering cooperation. several areas have been identified and it is our expectation that with this inaugural dialogue there will be a stronger security cooperation among all members. We had participation from Bangladesh as indeed from other members of the BRICS, sorry, of the BIMSTEC group. With regard to your question, we will make the announcement at the appropriate time as to what will be the issues to be taken up, so on and so forth. The details we will share as and when they happen.