The External Affairs Ministry today said the Nimisha Priya case in Yemen is a sensitive matter, and the government of India has been offering all possible assistance in the case. Addressing the media in New Delhi this afternoon, Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, India has provided legal assistance and appointed a lawyer to assist the family. He said, government has also arranged regular consular visits and been in constant touch with the local authorities and the family members to resolve the issue. This included concerted efforts in recent days to seek more time for the family of Nimisha Priya to reach a mutually agreeable solution with the other party. The spokesperson said, the local authorities in Yemen have postponed carrying out her sentence scheduled for 16th of this month. He said, New Delhi continues to closely follow the matter and render all possible assistance. He added that they are also in touch with some friendly governments.
Replying to a query on UK-India Free Trade Agreement, the spokesperson said, talks are progressing well and the next round of talks is scheduled for February in Delhi. He added that the leaders of both sides want this FTA to be concluded within this year.
On NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte’s statement, the spokesperson said India is closely following the developments. He reiterated that securing the energy needs of the people is the overriding priority for India. He said, government is guided by what is available in the markets, as well as by the prevailing global circumstances. He cautioned against any double standards on the issue.
On deportations from the US, Mr Jaiswal said, a total of 1563 Indians have been deported from the US so far. This figure pertains to the period from 20th January to 15th July. The spokesperson said, most have come via commercial flights.
On 16 Indians missing in Russia, Mr Jaiswal said, India is in regular touch with Russian authorities, both in New Delhi as well as in Moscow.
Responding to a question on India’s stance on Israeli airstrikes in Syria, the spokesperson said, New Delhi is closely following developments in Syria. He said, India wants peace and stability to return to the country as soon as possible.
