In the aftermath of India’s summoning of senior US diplomat Gloria Berbena regarding US comments on the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Washington reiterated its stance on encouraging fair, transparent, and timely legal processes. The diplomatic exchange underscores escalating tensions following Kejriwal’s arrest under the Modi regime.
During a press briefing, Miller, a spokesperson for the US, addressed India’s summoning of diplomat Gloria Berbena, emphasizing that the US closely monitors such developments, including Kejriwal’s arrest. Miller also acknowledged allegations made by the Congress party regarding tax authorities freezing some of their bank accounts, potentially impacting their ability to campaign effectively in upcoming elections.
Regarding India’s summons, Miller declined to discuss private diplomatic conversations but reiterated the US’s public stance, emphasizing the importance of fair legal processes that should be uncontroversial.
India had previously expressed “strong objection” to remarks made by the United States State Department Spokesperson regarding certain legal proceedings in the country. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasized the importance of diplomatic respect for sovereignty and internal affairs, particularly among fellow democracies, to avoid setting unhealthy precedents.
MEA further defended India’s legal processes, highlighting the independence of its judiciary committed to objective and timely outcomes, and deemed casting aspersions on it as unwarranted.
Kejriwal’s arrest on March 21 stemmed from allegations related to the now-scrapped Delhi liquor policy. Following his arrest, a trial court remanded him to the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) custody until March 28. The case revolves around alleged corruption and money laundering associated with the formulation and execution of Delhi government’s excise policy for 2021-22, subsequently annulled.
The diplomatic exchanges and legal proceedings surrounding Kejriwal’s arrest underscore the complexities of governance and judicial processes in India, amidst heightened scrutiny from international partners like the United States.
