New Delhi: New Delhi has said that it is closely following the developments in West Asia. It has again called for safe and unimpeded navigation and the flow of commerce through the Strait of Hormuz. Briefing media in New Delhi this evening, spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs Randhir Jaiswal said, this is key for ensuring the economic and energy security of people across the world. He said, the Ministry has issued a statement after summoning the Deputy Chief of Mission of Iran. Mr Jaiswal said, New Delhi conveyed Tehran its deepest concerns and that it strongly condemned what has happened. He said, a precious Indian life has been lost and several Indian nationals have been injured. A couple of them are seriously injured. The Spokesperson said, India conveyed its strongest protest to the Iranian side on this matter, stating that these attacks must stop at the earliest. At the same time, there should be de-escalation, and the two sides should come to the negotiating table and take the path of dialogue and diplomacy so that peace and stability can be ensured in West Asia.
On the indictment of Lawrence Bishnoi Gang, the spokesperson said India has consistently maintained that transnational organised crime, terrorism, narco-trafficking, human trafficking, illegal firearms trafficking and related criminal networks pose a serious threat to societies. He added that India and the United States enjoy strong and growing cooperation in combating terrorism as well as transnational organised crime. He said India and US agencies have worked closely together over the years, and this cooperation continues to deepen.
Replying to a query on UNCLOs, Mr Jaiswal said India’s position on the South China Sea issue is well known. He emphasised the importance of upholding freedom of navigation and overflight, other lawful uses of the sea, and unimpeded commerce consistent with international law. He re-affirmed that maritime disputes must be resolved peacefully and in accordance with UNCLOS. The spokesperson reiterated that the award rendered ten years ago by the Arbitral Tribunal is a significant milestone and the basis for peacefully resolving disputes between the parties.
On Passport, Mr Jaiswal said an Indian passport is a document that is issued by the Government to regulate the departure from India of citizens of India, as per the Passports Act, 1967. It is issued after due verification laid out by an established process. The spokesperson added that the issue of passports to Indian citizens or any other individual is governed by the Passports Act and Passports Rules, 1980. He informed that currently, less than 8 percent of Indian citizens hold a passport.
On Nijjar issue in Canada, Mr Jaiswal said, the Ministry has noted the remarks made by Royal Canadian Mounted Police RCMP Deputy Commissioner.He said, these remarks are consistent with the recently unsealed US indictmentwhich attributes responsibility to the members of the Lawrence Bishnoiorganised crime group. India remains committed to working with its partners incombating terrorism and transnational organised crime through close lawenforcement and security cooperation.
