India summons US diplomat for remarks on jailed politician

FE Team | Published: March 27, 2024 22:06:33

Arvind Kejriwal

NEW DELHI, Mar 27 (AFP): India on Wednesday summoned a top United States diplomat after Washington said it was "closely watching" events following the jailing of a senior opposition leader weeks ahead of parliamentary elections.
The US State Department had urged India to ensure a "fair, transparent, and timely legal process" for Arvind Kejriwal, chief minister of the capital Delhi, who was arrested last week in connection with a long-running corruption probe.
"We take strong objection to the remarks," India's foreign ministry said in a statement. "In diplomacy, states are expected to be respectful of the sovereignty and internal affairs of others".
Local broadcasters showed the senior US diplomat Gloria Berbena entering India's foreign ministry. There was no immediate response from the US embassy.
Last week, Germany raised its concerns about the arrest of Kejriwal, a key leader in an opposition alliance formed to compete against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in elections beginning next month.
The foreign ministry said it had also summoned Germany's deputy ambassador on Saturday.
Kejriwal's government is accused of receiving kickbacks while handing out liquor licenses to private companies.
He has denied the charges, and supporters say his arrest is meant to sideline challengers to Modi before next month's election-accusations the foreign ministry rejected.