On Wednesday, the Ministry of External Affairs called upon Gloria Berbena, the US Acting Deputy Chief of Mission, a day subsequent to Washington’s government expressing its close monitoring of the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal by the Enforcement Directorate regarding the liquor policy scandal. In an official declaration, the Ministry expressed strong objection to statements made by the spokesperson of the US State Department concerning specific legal proceedings in India.
The Indian government issued a summons to Gloria Berbena, the US Acting Deputy Chief of Mission, following public comments made by the United States regarding the detention of Delhi’s Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal. This action underscores the growing international scrutiny and resultant diplomatic tensions surrounding Kejriwal’s recent arrest.
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The cause of the summons was the United States‘ vocal reaction to the apprehension of Chief Minister Kejriwal, undertaken by India’s Enforcement Directorate concerning allegations linked to a liquor policy scandal. Washington’s expressions of concern were conveyed through a spokesperson for the US State Department, prompting the Ministry of External Affairs in India to respond with a formal objection. The Ministry criticized the United States for what it deemed interference in India’s internal legal matters, emphasizing the respect for sovereignty and internal affairs that is expected among sovereign nations, particularly those governed by democratic principles.
The US State Department spokesperson said on Tuesday,
“We encourage a fair, transparent, and timely legal process for Chief Minister Kejriwal.”
Adding context, the Ministry of External Affairs highlighted the foundational principles of the Indian legal system, stressing its independence and dedication to delivering impartial and prompt judgments. The remarks from the US were portrayed as undermining the integrity of India’s judiciary, implying a lack of faith in its processes.
Ministry of External Affairs expressed objection and said,
“In diplomacy, states are expected to be respectful of the sovereignty and internal affairs of others. This responsibility is even more so in case of fellow democracies. It could otherwise end up setting unhealthy precedents.”
This diplomatic friction was not an isolated incident; it followed a similar scenario involving the German Embassy, where the Deputy Head of Mission, Georg Enzweiler, was summoned over remarks made by a spokesperson in Berlin regarding Kejriwal’s rights to a fair trial. These incidents collectively reflect India’s stern stance against foreign commentary on its judicial proceedings, underscoring the sensitivity of international relations in matters of internal legal disputes.
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Furthermore, the Indian External Affairs Ministry’s spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, articulated the government’s perspective via social media, reiterating the country’s commitment to the rule of law and democratic principles. Jaiswal condemned the foreign remarks as an intrusion into India’s judicial processes, affirming the independence of the judiciary and insisting that the legal proceedings would unfold naturally, free from biased preconceptions.
External Affairs Ministry’s spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal
These developments reveal the complexities of international diplomacy and the tensions that can arise when foreign entities comment on internal legal matters. The Indian government’s firm response serves as a reminder of its dedication to preserving judicial independence and sovereignty, even while navigating the intricate dynamics of global relations.
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