The Ministry of External Affairs on Wednesday confirmed that Indian diplomats have been granted consular access to an Indian citizen currently held as a prisoner of war in Ukraine, even as it outlined External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s upcoming engagements at the G20, QUAD and Commonwealth summits over the next week.
Addressing the bi-weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that Jaishankar will also participate in a meeting of the QUAD Foreign Ministers on the sidelines of the G20 gathering and hold several bilateral engagements with his counterparts.
Following his US visit, Jaishankar will travel to St John’s, Antigua and Barbuda, where he will lead the Indian delegation at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) from November 1-4. The summit’s theme this year is “Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth.”
India Raises Concern Over Terror Financing
Responding to questions on the ongoing Financial Action Task Force (FATF) meetings in Paris, Jaiswal reiterated India’s longstanding position against terrorism and terror financing.
“India’s stand is amply clear. Terror financing and cross-border terrorism need to be held accountable,” he said, adding that the international community must intensify efforts to defeat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
Energy Imports Guided by National Interest
On India’s energy sourcing strategy, the MEA spokesperson said procurement decisions are driven by national interest and commercial considerations.
He noted that energy purchases are undertaken by companies after assessing market conditions, commercial viability and the prevailing global situation.
SCO Dialogue Forum Invitations Issued
Jaiswal also confirmed that India has invited all member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), along with dialogue partners and an observer state, for the SCO Civilizational Dialogue Forum scheduled to be held in New Delhi from November 20-22.
Concern Over West Asia Conflict
Expressing concern over the continuing conflict in West Asia, the spokesperson said 22 Indian nationals have lost their lives, including 14 seafarers. He added that India remains in constant touch with its community across the Gulf region to ensure their safety and well-being.
The MEA also confirmed that three Indian citizens have died in Saudi Arabia during the ongoing regional crisis.
India-Japan Cooperation in Northeast
On India-Japan cooperation in the Northeast, Jaiswal said the two countries share a strong partnership and multiple initiatives are currently underway in the region.
He said New Delhi is keen to further strengthen these linkages, particularly under the broader framework of the India-Japan economic and technology partnership.
NewsGate Question on Indian Held in Ukraine
Replying to a question raised by NewsGate regarding an Indian national currently being held as a Prisoner of War (POW) by Ukraine, Jaiswal said Indian diplomats have been granted consular access to the individual.
The spokesperson indicated that the Government of India remains engaged with the matter through diplomatic channels and is extending the necessary consular support to the Indian citizen.
