In the backdrop of India’s summoning of a high-ranking US envoy regarding Washington’s commentary on the apprehension of Delhi Chief Executive Arvind Kejriwal, the US has refrained from direct discourse but reiterated its stance on “equitable and translucent judicial procedures”.
In response to India’s objection to the US’s commentary on the detention of Delhi Chief Executive Arvind Kejriwal in the context of the alcohol policy matter and the subsequent summoning of an American envoy over this issue, the US has abstained from explicit commentary on the communication to its representative but reaffirmed its advocacy for “just and transparent legal proceedings”.
“We remain observant of these developments, including the detention of Arvind Kejriwal. We advocate for fair, transparent, and prompt judicial processes in each of these instances,” articulated US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller.
However, the US redirected attention to India regarding the Congress’s accusation that tax authorities have seized the bank accounts of party officials. “We are also cognizant of the Congress’s assertions that tax authorities have frozen certain bank accounts in a manner that could impede effective campaigning in the forthcoming elections. And we advocate for equitable, transparent, and prompt legal procedures in each of these cases,” Miller remarked. He responded to an inquiry during the State Department briefing on India’s summoning of Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Gloria Berbena in Delhi as well as the freezing of the Congress’s bank accounts.
Regarding India’s summoning of the US diplomat, Miller, however, declined to provide any commentary, citing “confidential diplomatic dialogues”. “I decline to discuss any confidential diplomatic exchanges. However, what we have articulated publicly aligns with what I have just conveyed, emphasizing our support for fair, transparent, and prompt legal procedures. We believe no one should oppose that,” Miller stated.
India previously lodged a forceful objection to Washington’s “closely monitoring” remark on Kejriwal’s detention. Officials from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Gloria Berbena to their office in South Block, Delhi. The discussion extended for more than 30 minutes.
Subsequently, the MEA, in a statement, expressed, “We strongly object to the remarks made by the spokesperson of the US State Department regarding certain legal proceedings in India.”
“In diplomatic relations, nations are anticipated to exhibit respect for the sovereignty and internal affairs of others. This obligation is even more pertinent when dealing with fellow democratic entities. Failure to do so could establish undesirable precedents,” the statement contended.
India’s judicial processes are underpinned by “an impartial judiciary committed to unbiased and expedient outcomes,” asserted the MEA in the statement, while underscoring that “casting doubt on this is baseless”.
