US diplomat summoned over comments on Delhi CM's arrest

New Delhi: Gloria Berbena, the acting deputy chief of mission for the United States, was summoned by the Ministry of External Affairs in Delhi today. The duration of the meeting was roughly forty minutes.

This occurs one day after news broke that the US is actively monitoring Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's recent detention and is encouraging a fair legal procedure, the New Indian Express reported.

The US spokesperson's remarks have drawn considerable criticism from the Indian government, which has emphasised the need to respect other countries' internal affairs and sovereignty, especially among democratic allies.

A statement was released by the MEA after holding a meeting with the US envoy.

"We take strong objection to the remarks of the Spokesperson of the US State Department about certain legal proceedings in India. In diplomacy, states are expected to be respectful of the sovereignty and internal affairs of others. This responsibility is even more so in the case of fellow democracies. It could otherwise end up setting unhealthy precedents. India’s legal processes are based on an independent judiciary which is committed to objective and timely outcomes. Casting aspersions on that is unwarranted."

Recall that India had taken issue with a similar remark made by a German official in the foreign ministry last week. Additionally, it had called a German envoy to express its disapproval.