India recently expressed its discontent by summoning a senior US diplomat to voice its objection regarding comments made regarding the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Responding to this, Washington emphasized its support for fair, transparent, and timely legal procedures, asserting that such principles should be uncontroversial.
During a State Department briefing, spokesperson Matthew Miller addressed the issue, stating that the US closely monitors developments, including Kejriwal's arrest. He refrained from divulging details of private diplomatic discussions but reiterated the US stance on advocating fair legal processes.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs convened a meeting with Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Gloria Berbena, expressing strong opposition to the US State Department's official remarks on Kejriwal's arrest. Reports indicated that the US official had emphasized the importance of a fair legal process for the Delhi Chief Minister.
Kejriwal's arrest relates to a money laundering case associated with the excise policy 'scam,' involving alleged corruption and money laundering in the formulation and implementation of Delhi's excise policy for 2021-22, which was subsequently annulled.
India's Ministry of External Affairs emphasized its displeasure with the US State Department's spokesperson's comments, asserting that diplomatic norms expect states to respect each other's sovereignty and internal affairs, particularly among fellow democracies. The Ministry defended India's legal processes, emphasizing the role of an independent judiciary committed to impartial and timely outcomes and dismissing any unwarranted criticisms.
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