MEA on Afghanistan: Hamid Ansari's statement, foreign ministry's statement on aid to Afghanistan and Ukraine crisis, know what it said?

Hamid Ansari Democracy remark: There was a press conference on many issues from the Ministry of External Affairs. In this, the spokesperson of the ministry, Arindam Bagchi, responded to the statement of human rights and democracy by former Vice President Hamid Ansari for helping Afghanistan through Pakistan.

Help is provided to the people of Afghanistan

Regarding providing aid to Afghanistan, it was told by the Ministry of External Affairs that the Government of India is committed to providing humanitarian aid to the Afghan people. This includes food grains, the Covid vaccine, and essential medicines. During the last few weeks, work is going on in India to procure and deliver 3.6 tonnes of medical aid, 5 lakh Covid vaccines, wheat. It takes some time.

India's democracy does not need anyone's certificate

Apart from this, there was also a reaction from the Ministry of External Affairs on the statement made by former Vice President Hamid Ansari and four American lawmakers regarding Indian democracy. Bagchi said that we have seen the reports related to this event. India is a strong and active democracy. It doesn't need anyone else's certificate. The claim that others should defend our democracy is fanciful and absurd. The track record of the organizers in this matter is as evident as are the prejudices and political interests of the participants of the declared event.

India's stand on Ukraine crisis

Clarifying India's stand on the Ukraine crisis, the spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs said that, we are closely watching the developments related to Ukraine. This also includes high-level dialogue between Russia and America. Our embassy in Kyiv is also monitoring the local developments. We call for a peaceful resolution of the situation through dialogue and sustained diplomatic efforts. So that peace and stability can come in the area.

Movement of pilgrims between India and Pakistan

Regarding the movement of pilgrims between India and Pakistan, it was told by the Ministry of External Affairs that based on the 1974 agreement between India and Pakistan, there is the movement of pilgrims to religious places between India and Pakistan. India is in favor of increasing the number of places of religious interest and the convenience of travelers. There are currently restrictions on the movement of people due to Corona, but this time should be used to carry forward the conversation for necessary changes in the protocol.