MEA spokesperson

January 16, 2026 9:24 PM

Closely monitoring situation, will take all steps for well-being of Indians in Iran: MEA

The Indian government has advised its nationals in Iran to leave the country in view of the volatile security situation, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Friday. The ministry stressed that it is closely monitoring developments and remains “committed to doing whatever is necessary for the well-being” of Indian citizens. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "Approximately 9,000 of our citizens are currently residing in Iran. The majority of them are students. In light of the r...

December 9, 2025 3:02 PM

India welcomes UK sanctions on Khalistani terror group linked to Babbar Khalsa

India on Monday welcomed the United Kingdom government’s decision to impose sanctions on pro-Khalistan extremist entities linked to the banned terror outfit Babbar Khalsa, calling it a significant step toward strengthening global counter-terrorism efforts. During the weekly media briefing, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said New Delhi appreciates London’s action targeting individuals and organisations involved in anti-India extremist activities. He noted tha...

September 26, 2025 8:59 PM

‘Our stand on Kashmir is very clear’: MEA after Turkish President’s UNGA remarks

India on Friday firmly restated its position on Jammu and Kashmir, making it clear that the matter is strictly bilateral and does not require involvement from outside parties. The response came after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan raised the Kashmir issue during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Addressing the media, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted that New Delhi's approach has not altered. "Our stand on the Kash...

September 26, 2025 8:55 PM

‘Closely monitoring, examining impact’: MEA on 100% US tariffs on branded pharma imports from Oct 1

The Ministry of External Affairs on Friday said that India is closely monitoring the impact of US President Donald Trump's announcement to impose tariffs of up to 100% on imports of branded and patented pharmaceutical drugs, effective from October 1, 2025. In a weekly briefing, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that relevant ministries and departments are monitoring the situation and examining its potential effects. "We saw a notice yesterday on social media that talked about new tariffs. ...

September 26, 2025 7:42 PM

2,417 Indian nationals have been deported or repatriated from US since January 2025: MEA

The Ministry of External Affairs on Friday said that 2,417 Indian nationals have been deported or repatriated from the United States since January 2025. During the weekly media briefing, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated India's firm stance against illegal migration, emphasising commitment to promoting legal pathways for migration. "The number of deportations that have happened from the United States since January; 2417 Indian nationals are deported or repatriated from the United Sta...

September 26, 2025 6:51 PM

‘Factually incorrect, entirely baseless’: India rejects NATO chief’s claim on PM Modi-Putin phone call

India on Friday firmly dismissed remarks made by NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte on a purported conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin as "factually incorrect and entirely baseless." The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) clarified that no such discussion had ever taken place and urged NATO leadership to act with greater caution. India criticised the remarks after Rutte suggested that PM Modi had sought clarifications from Putin on Russia's war...

September 10, 2025 11:44 AM

India expresses concern over Israeli strikes in Qatar, calls for restraint

India on Tuesday expressed concern over reports of Israeli airstrikes in Doha, Qatar, urging all parties to exercise restraint and prioritise diplomacy to prevent further escalation in the region. In an official statement, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “We have seen reports about the Israeli strikes in Doha earlier today. We are deeply concerned by this development and its impact on the security situation in the region.” The statement comes amid heig...

August 5, 2025 12:19 AM

MEA defends India’s oil imports from Russia; calls US, EU criticism ‘unjustified, unreasonable’

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Monday defended India’s continued import of oil from Russia amid criticism from the United States and the European Union (EU), terming such objections “unjustified and unreasonable.” Responding to questions over energy trade with Russia since the commencement of the Ukraine conflict, the MEA clarified that India's imports are meant to ensure predictable and affordable energy costs to the Indian consumer. They are a necessity compelled by global ma...

June 19, 2025 9:42 AM

‘We are proud to be Indians’: evacuated students thank Modi govt after return from Iran

After arriving safely in New Delhi on Thursday, all 110 Indian citizens evacuated from Iran expressed their gratitude to the Narendra Modi-led Union government and the Indian embassies in Iran and Armenia for their timely and safe evacuation amid the escalating military conflict in the Middle East. As part of Operation Sindhu, the first flight carrying Indian nationals from Iran landed at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. The evacuees, including 90 students from Urmia Medical Univer...

September 16, 2024 5:55 PM

Vikram Misri assumes charge as Foreign Secretary of India

Vikram Misri assumed the charge of Foreign Secretary of India on Monday. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed warm regards and best wishes to Foreign Secretary Misri for a successful tenure ahead. "Shri Vikram Misri assumed charge as Foreign Secretary today. #TeamMEA extends a warm welcome to Foreign Secretary Misri and wishes him a successful tenure ahead," said MEA spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal in a post on X. Misri, 59, succeeds Vinay Mohan Kwatra, whose tenure was marked by not...