NEW DELHI : India strongly objects to the remarks of the US State Department Spokesperson. The Indian government summoned the United Statesโ Acting Deputy Chief of Mission, Gloria Berbena, to the Ministry of External Affairs in Delhiโs South Block. The meeting, lasting approximately 40-45 minutes, was convened in response to recent statements made by the US State Department regarding the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.
In a statement released by Indiaโs Ministry of External Affairs, India strongly objects to the comments made by the US State Department, underscoring the governmentโs unwavering commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and internal affairs.
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The statement reads, โWe take strong objection to the remarks of the Spokesperson of the US State Department about certain legal proceedings in India. In diplomacy, states are expected to be respectful of the sovereignty and internal affairs of others. This responsibility is even more so in the case of fellow democracies. It could otherwise end up setting unhealthy precedents.โ
India strongly objects to the remarks of the US State Department Spokesperson:https://t.co/mi0Lu2XXDL pic.twitter.com/pa9WYNZQSi
โ Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) March 27, 2024
The US State Department had expressed concern over Kejriwalโs arrest and urged India to ensure โa fair, transparent, and timely legal processโ for the detained Aam Aadmi Party leader. The statement by the Ministry of External Affairs also emphasized the importance of mutual respect and adherence to diplomatic protocols among democracies. Casting doubt on Indiaโs legal processes and judiciary was deemed unwarranted and an unwelcome interference in Indiaโs internal affairs.
The statement further asserts, โIndiaโs legal processes are based on an independent judiciary which is committed to objective and timely outcomes. Casting aspersions on that is unwarranted.โ
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The US response to Indiaโs protest reiterated its stance on closely monitoring Kejriwalโs arrest and advocating for a fair legal process. This development underscores the complexity of diplomatic relations between India and the US, particularly concerning matters of domestic jurisdiction. This statement from the US followed similar remarks from Germanyโs Foreign Office, which emphasized the need for an impartial trial for Kejriwal. The summoning of the US diplomat marks the second time this year that the US has faced criticism from India, the first being over remarks concerning the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).
