India has summoned a US diplomat over comments regarding the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal last week in connection with an alleged liquor policy scam, strongly objecting to remarks made by a US State Department spokesperson.
The External Affairs Ministry called upon Gloria Berbena, the US Acting Deputy Chief of Mission. Following the meeting the MEA released a brief statement warning against “unhealthy precedents” and “unwarranted aspersions.”
The statement emphasized the importance of respecting the sovereignty and internal affairs of other nations particularly fellow democracies and expressed confidence in India’s independent judiciary and its commitment to objective and timely outcomes.
This reaction from the Indian government came after the US State Department expressed concern over Mr. Kejriwal’s arrest and urged New Delhi to ensure a fair and timely legal process for the jailed Aam Aadmi Party leader. This stance by the US State Department followed similar remarks by Germany’s Foreign Office which emphasized Mr. Kejriwal’s entitlement to a fair and impartial trial.
India responded strongly to Germany’s comments as well, summoning the German envoy and labeling the Foreign Office spokesperson’s remarks as “blatant interference in internal matters” and “biased assumptions.”
Read This: Shakti Swaroopa: PM Modi Dials Sandeshkhali Protester Rekha Patra, BJP’s Basirhat Candidate
In response to India’s protest the State Department spokesperson refrained from further comment and redirected inquiries to the German Foreign Ministry.
This incident follows earlier disputes between India and its counterparts over comments regarding changes to the citizenship law, which the Indian government denounced as “misplaced, misinformed and unwarranted.”
The arrest of Arvind Kejriwal by the Enforcement Directorate last week stems from allegations related to a now-scrapped liquor policy, which purportedly provided exorbitant profit margins for retailers and wholesalers. The ED alleges that bribes totaling over ₹600 crore were involved, with funds allegedly used to finance AAP’s election campaigns.
Mr. Kejriwal, along with party colleagues Manish Sisodia, Sanjay Singh and Satyendar Jain who were also arrested, denies the charges leveled against them.
The AAP and the opposition have criticized the BJP-led central government for using central agencies like the ED to target rivals and critics ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha election. The AAP has accused the government of timing Mr. Kejriwal’s arrest to disrupt his campaign plans.
The BJP, however, refutes these allegations, asserting that it does not manipulate central agencies for political gain.
Meanwhile, Arvind Kejriwal is currently in the Delhi High Court to challenge his arrest.
Read This: Wish To Dine In Space? This Company Will Make Your Dream Come True For ₹4 Crore
This escalation of tensions between India and its foreign counterparts underscores the delicate balance between diplomatic relations and domestic sovereignty, highlighting the complexities of international politics in an interconnected world.
