Following this, the Indian government strongly objected to remarks made by a spokesperson from the US State Department regarding the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in connection with an alleged liquor policy scam. The External Affairs Ministry called Gloria Berbena, the US' Acting Deputy Chief of Mission, to a meeting that lasted 40 minutes at its office in Delhi on Wednesday afternoon. After the meeting, the MEA released a brief statement warning against setting unhealthy precedents and making unwarranted aspersions. The statement emphasized that states should respect the sovereignty and internal affairs of others, especially fellow democracies. It highlighted that India's legal processes rely on an independent judiciary committed to objective and timely outcomes.
The US State Department had earlier expressed its concern about Mr. Kejriwal's arrest and urged New Delhi to ensure a fair and timely legal process for the jailed Aam Aadmi Party leader. Germany's Foreign Office also emphasized Mr. Kejriwal's right to a fair and impartial trial, similar to any other Indian citizen facing charges.
India reacted strongly to Germany's comment, summoning the German envoy and labeling the Foreign Office spokesperson's remark as blatant interference in internal matters. The External Affairs Ministry criticized such remarks as interference in the country's judicial process and undermining the independence of the judiciary. It described biased assumptions as unwarranted.
In response to India's protest, the State Department spokesperson directed inquiries to the German Foreign Ministry for comments on their discussions with the Indian government.
