Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the US State Department, emphasized India's significance as the world's largest democracy and a crucial ally to Washington. He addressed concerns regarding recent critiques of the Indian government preceding the Lok Sabha elections.
In response to inquiries about potential democratic regression in India, Miller reaffirmed India's status as a key democratic entity and a strategic partner for the United States, expressing confidence in the enduring nature of this relationship.
Earlier in January, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi, acknowledging the positive impact of Modi's policies and initiatives on both the Indian populace and allied nations.
Despite the generally strong bilateral ties, tensions surfaced following the US State Department's attention to reports of the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in connection with a corruption case related to an alleged excise policy scam.
India reacted strongly to the US State Department's remarks, asserting its objection to foreign interference in its legal proceedings. The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized the importance of diplomatic respect for sovereignty and internal affairs, particularly among democratic nations. India defended its legal system as independent and committed to fair and timely resolutions, condemning any unwarranted skepticism cast upon it.
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