MEA responds to Eiffel Tower controversy, says India-China ties moving in positive direction
MEA spokesman Randhir Jaiswal. (Image courtesy: X/@MEAIndia)
New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs on Tuesday said the controversy surrounding the treatment of women employees during a Baps delegation’s visit to the Eiffel Tower was a matter for the parties concerned. The MEA spokesman, Randhir Jaiswal, made the remarks as the Paris landmark resumed operations following a staff protest over allegations that female employees were sidelined during the visit.
The Eiffel Tower had been temporarily closed on Monday after employees raised objections over instructions allegedly given to female staff during the delegation’s visit. The landmark reopened on Tuesday, while the controversy has prompted discussions in France over workplace equality and the circumstances surrounding the visit.
On the questions of prime minister, Narendra Modi, virtual participation in the inauguration of a Baps temple in the Paris area, Jaiswal said it was customary for the prime minister to convey his good wishes on such occasions. He said Modi had done so virtually and there was no reason for the ministry to make any further comment.
India backs UNGA resolution on equal-area maps
The MEA also addressed questions over India’s position on a UN general assembly resolution dealing with the representation of land areas on maps. Jaiswal said India supported the resolution and clarified that the measure was based on the equal-area principle rather than an endorsement of any particular map, private organization or entity.
The principle seeks to maintain the proportional size of landmasses when they are represented on a map, even if this comes at the expense of preserving their exact shape. In practical terms, a country occupying a particular share of the actual land area should retain a corresponding share of the area represented on the map.
India-China ties moving in positive direction
On India-China relations, Jaiswal said the two countries were seeing movement in a positive direction, with military-level communication continuing through established mechanisms. He said the first senior military commander-level flag meeting was held at Wacha on the Indian side in Arunachal Pradesh on Sunday, followed by a meeting at Damai on the Chinese side on Monday.
Jaiswal said a similar commander-level arrangement also operates in the western sector and that the latest meeting followed understandings reached between the special representatives of India and China in August 2025 and August 2026. He added that subsequent discussions under the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination had also contributed to the process.
MEA said improving people-to-people contact was another important aspect of the relationship between the two countries. He also added that visa-related matters were also being discussed as part of efforts to strengthen such exchanges between India and China.
India remains engaged with Russia and Ukraine
On the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Jaiswal said India continued to remain in contact with both Moscow and Kyiv while looking at ideas that could help bring the fighting to an end. He reiterated New Delhi’s position that the conflict could not be resolved through military means and that this was not an era of war.
Jaiswal referred to external affairs minister, S Jaishankar, recent engagements in Ukraine and Poland, saying India had continued to convey its position during those interactions. He also recalled prime minister, Narendra Modi, message for endless war to give way to an end to the conflict.
The MEA said the responsibility for finding a way forward ultimately rested with the parties involved, but India was prepared to contribute if its assistance could help end the war. New Delhi, he indicated, would continue engaging with both sides as part of that effort.
