India distances itself from ‘private event’ remarks on Bangladesh, reaffirms neighbourhood vigilance
Randhir Jaiswal during MEA Briefing August 7 2026.
New Delhi: The External Affairs Ministry on Friday distanced the government from remarks made at a private media forum concerning Bangladesh. The MEA spokesman, Randhir Jaiswal, while answering to a reporter’s question at ministry’s biweekly briefing said that New Delhi had no role in organizing the event and did not endorse anything said there about the “duly constituted” government in Dhaka.
Addressing questions during the briefing, Jaiswal said the event in question was organized entirely by a private media entity, with no government involvement whatsoever. He added that the government does not endorse remarks made at the forum, particularly those touching on Bangladesh’s government.
Jaiswal also detailed the recent official visit to Colombo by the foreign secretary, Vikram Misri, where he called on the Sri Lankan president, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, and the country’s prime minister, Harini Amarasuriya. Misri also held talks with the Lankan foreign minister, Vijitha Herath, and the foreign secretary, Aruni Ranaraja.
The discussions covered development cooperation and India-funded projects under implementation in Sri Lanka, as well as joint rehabilitation efforts launched after the island nation’s recent cyclone.
‘Watching neighbourhood developments closely’
On the wider security picture, Jaiswal said India continues to closely follow political and security developments across its immediate neighbourhood, and reaffirmed that the government will take all necessary measures to safeguard the country’s national interests.
Responding to questions on threats to shipping lanes, Jaiswal urged all parties to refrain from targeting civilian vessels and merchant seafarers, and called for unhindered commercial shipping and transit across international maritime routes. He said Indian missions in the Gulf remain in constant touch with the ministry of shipping and local maritime authorities, and that 24×7 helplines remain operational to assist Indian seafarers in distress.
On Africa, Jaiswal said India marked Africa Day as a major event reflecting solidarity and strategic partnership, with the external affairs minister, Dr S Jaishankar, taking part in this year’s events. He confirmed the India–Africa Summit was postponed in mutual consultation with the African Union and will be held on a mutually convenient date, adding that India continues to monitor political dynamics between Somalia and other regional actors in the Horn of Africa.
Asked about international commentary on domestic statutory frameworks, Jaiswal said legislative matters concerning the country are strictly internal affairs, with such policy decisions falling exclusively within the Parliament’s domain. He said regulating foreign funding is standard practice globally, routinely exercised by sovereign nations and international institutions, including the United Nations.
