India has issued a sharp rebuttal to claims that arose following the release of press statements by India and the United States after a telephonic conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joe Biden earlier this week. The controversy stemmed from differing content in the press releases, particularly regarding the ongoing situation in Bangladesh.
Responding to media inquiries, Randhir Jaiswal, the official spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), dismissed the criticisms as “uninformed, tendentious, and motivated.” Jaiswal emphasized that such claims betray a fundamental misunderstanding of how communications between world leaders are managed and later communicated to the public.
What did MEA say?
“Firstly, press releases issued after such conversations between leaders are not like Joint Statements where every word is negotiated and mutually agreed upon. Secondly, such press releases are not meant to be comprehensive readouts of such conversations. Finally, it is not unusual for two sides to emphasize different aspects of the same conversation in their respective readouts,” Jaiswal clarified.
The controversy erupted after the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) released a statement highlighting that Modi and Biden had discussed the unfolding political situation in Bangladesh, with both leaders stressing the importance of restoring normalcy and ensuring the safety and security of minorities, particularly Hindus. However, the White House’s version of the call made no mention of Bangladesh, leading to speculation and criticism from various quarters.
Jaiswal addressed these concerns head-on, stating, “The absence of an aspect in one press release or the other is not evidence of its absence in the conversation itself.” He affirmed that the situation in Bangladesh was discussed in detail and that the Indian press release is a “faithful record” of what transpired during the conversation.
The MEA spokesperson further explained that it is common practice for countries to issue separate press releases following high-level discussions, each focusing on issues of particular interest to their respective audiences. “It is only in cases of Joint Press Release or Joint Statement that both sides issue similar press releases,” sources clarified.
India has been vocal about its concerns regarding the safety and security of minorities in Bangladesh, especially in light of the ongoing political instability in the country. The PMO’s emphasis on this issue in its press release is a reflection of India’s longstanding commitment to protecting the rights of Hindus and other minorities in the region.
Jaiswal’s remarks aim to dispel any doubts about the integrity of India’s press release and to reinforce the importance of understanding the nuanced nature of diplomatic communications. The controversy highlights how differing national interests and priorities can shape the narratives presented in official communications, even when the underlying conversation between leaders is comprehensive and wide-ranging.
India’s firm response underscores its commitment to transparency and its determination to address the complex dynamics at play in Bangladesh, ensuring that the concerns of vulnerable communities are not overlooked. As the region navigates these challenges, the importance of accurate reporting and informed commentary cannot be overstated.
