New Delhi. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has expressed its strong opposition to the comments made by US Congress member Pramila Jayapal regarding SIR. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that these comments of the Congresswoman seem to us inappropriate and made in the absence of information. In a way, this is like interfering in the electoral process of a democratic country. This is an attitude that weakens democracy itself. The American MP had expressed concern over the removal of names of about 13 crore people from the voter list after SIR and called it an anti-democratic effort.
Delhi: MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, “We find the Congress people's remarks unwarranted and uninformed, tantamount to interference in the electoral processes of a fellow democracy. Such an approach undermines democracy itself.”
— IANS (@ians_india) October 16, 2026
On the conspiracy of mass shooting at the Hindu temple in Aurora, Illinois, USA, the Indian Foreign Ministry said that this is definitely a matter of deep concern for us. At the same time, it also highlights the increasing cases of 'hate crimes' and racial discrimination against the Indian community in America. We have taken note of the action taken by US law enforcement agencies following this incident. We appeal to the US side to ensure the safety and well-being of foreign nationals living in the US.
Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet on October 20
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that next week on October 19 and 20, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar will host UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Mumbai during an official visit. On October 20 itself, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar will hold a meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Jaiswal said that for the last decade or more it has been a tradition that we have been hosting foreign delegates outside Delhi. On the bilateral trade agreement between India and America, Randhir Jaiswal said that both sides are working towards completing this bilateral trade agreement as soon as possible.