New Delhi: After the Chinese mission in New Delhi asked Indian media to refrain from covering Taiwan's National Day celebrations, Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday lambasts China and said, "There are free media in India that reports on issues as it sees fit".
While addressing a virtual weekly press briefing, spokesperson of MEA Anurag Srivastava said, "There's a free media in India that reports on issues as it sees fit".
Chinese mission on Wednesday in a letter said, " Regarding the so-called forthcoming 'National Day of Taiwan', the Chinese Embassy in India would like to remind our media friends and that there is only one China in the world, and the Government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legitimate government representing the whole of China".
"Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. These facts are recognised by UN resolution and constitute the universal consensus of the international community. All countries that have diplomatic relations with China should firmly honour their commitment to the One-China policy, which is also the long-standing official position of the Indian government," it added.
Further on being asked about the issue of Vijay Mallya's extradition, the MEA said, "After the dismissal of Vijay Mallya's appeal against extradition orders, he tried to appeal to the Supreme Court which was rejected too. He's exhausted all appeals".
"We are in constant touch with the UK government. We are told a legal matter has to be resolved which he cannot be extradited", added MEA.
It is pertinent to note that days after the centre told the Supreme Court that the extradition order to bring liquor baron Vijay Mallya back to the country has not come into effect, the MEA has come forward to reveal that Mallya's appeal in the top court against extradition orders has been dismissed and that he has exhausted all his appeals.
Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava also informed media that 7 Indians working at a construction company were kidnapped in Libya on September 14. Our embassy in Tunisia has contacted the Libyan govt and international organisations and are working for the release of these Indians. We have been informed that they are safe.
On Kulbhushan Jadhav case, MEA reiterated that Pakistan has failed to respond on core issues pertaining to Kulbhushan Jadhav case. The core issues are the provision of all documents related to this case and providing unimpeded, unconditional and unhindered counsellor access to Kulbhushan Jadhav.
"These issues have to be addressed if we have to have an effective review and reconsideration, as ordered by the International Court of Justice. Pakistan must show ist intention to deliver on issues", MEA spokesperson added.
Later, the MEA on India US 2+2 meeting said that the 2+2 Ministerial meeting is scheduled later this year. "We are in the process of working out mutually convenient dates", MEA added.
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