India objects to USA’s remarks over Kejriwal’s arrest

Indian External Affairs Ministry summons Gloria Barbena over US` comments on Kejriwal’s arrest. Credit – TH and Indian Express

New Delhi – The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has summoned Gloria Barbena, Executive Deputy Chief of Mission of the US Embassy in India and asked her to respond to the US’ comments on the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. An estimated 40-minute-long discussion took place between Indian Foreign Ministry officials and US diplomatic officials.

“We strongly object to the comments made by the US State Department spokesperson regarding certain legal proceedings in India,” Indian External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a statement. “States are expected to be respectful of the sovereignty and internal affairs of others, and this responsibility is even more so in case of fellow democracies. It could otherwise end up setting unhealthy precedents. India’s legal processes are based on an independent judiciary which is committed to objective and timely outcomes. Casting aspersions on that is unwarranted.

“We are keeping a close eye on the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. We expect a fair, transparent and timely legal process in the Kejriwal case,” a US State Department spokesperson had earlier said.

Before the US, Germany had also expressed similar anti-India reaction. India had strongly objected to that too. The Indian External Affairs Ministry summoned Germany’s Ambassador George Enzweiler and told that such comments amounted to interfering with India’s judicial process and undermining the independence of the judiciary. India is a strong democratic country with rule of law. As the law takes its course in India and other democracies, the law will take its course in Kejriwal’s case. It is inappropriate to make biased assumptions in this case.

Editorial Perspective

This action from India was necessary. It should always be remembered that the US is not a loyal friend of India. It is a good foreign policy to keep making the US aware of its boundaries.