Kejriwal Arrest Row Escalates: India Reacts Strongly to US Remarks

India lodged a vehement protest on Wednesday against comments made by the US State Department Spokesperson regarding the apprehension of Arvind Kejriwal. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) promptly summoned Gloria Berbena, the US’ Acting Deputy Chief of Mission, today, and delivered a sharply-worded demarche during a meeting that lasted approximately 40 minutes.

In its statement, the MEA expressed strong disapproval of the remarks made by the Spokesperson of the US State Department regarding certain legal proceedings within India.

“Diplomatic decorum mandates that nations respect each other’s sovereignty and internal affairs, a responsibility particularly vital among fellow democracies. Failing to uphold this principle could establish detrimental precedents,” emphasized the MEA.

India’s legal system operates under an independent judiciary committed to delivering objective and timely justice. Any insinuations otherwise are baseless, the statement further asserted.

Earlier, the US State Department, responding to media inquiries, stated, “We advocate for a fair, transparent, and expeditious legal process for Chief Minister Kejriwal.” This marks the second instance of a foreign nation commenting on Kejriwal’s arrest, following Germany.

Over the weekend, New Delhi summoned George Enzweiler, the German Deputy Chief of Mission, to express strong objection to remarks made by their Foreign Office Spokesperson concerning India’s internal affairs.

New Delhi’s response came shortly after the German Foreign Ministry expressed expectations for Kejriwal to receive a fair and impartial trial, given India’s democratic status.

In its statement, the MEA denounced such comments as interference in India’s judicial process and an affront to judicial independence. India prides itself on being a vibrant democracy governed by the rule of law, and the legal process will proceed impartially, as in all cases, without bias or prejudice.

The spokesperson of the German Foreign Ministry earlier acknowledged India’s democratic credentials, stating, “We anticipate and trust that the standards pertaining to judicial independence and fundamental democratic principles will be upheld in this case. Kejriwal, like any accused individual, is entitled to a fair and unbiased trial, with unrestricted access to legal recourse. The presumption of innocence is a cornerstone of the rule of law and must be honored.”

Arvind Kejriwal, who faced arrest after disregarding nine summonses from the Enforcement Directorate, was remanded to ED custody until March 28.