News Brief
MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal
India on Friday (15 March) firmly rejected comments made by the United States regarding its 'close monitoring' of the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), labellingng these remarks as "misplaced, misinformed, and unwarranted."
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasised that such comments constitute interference in India's internal affairs.
"The Citizenship Amendment Act is about giving citizenship, not about taking away citizenship. It addresses the issue of statelessness, provides human dignity and supports human rights," the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at a scheduled press briefing on Friday.
"As regards the US State Department's statement on the implementation of the CAA, we are of the view that it is misplaced, misinformed, and unwarranted," the ministry spokesperson stressed.
"Lectures by those who have a limited understanding of India's pluralistic traditions, and the region's post-partition history are best not attempted," the spokesperson said, adding that "partners and well-wishers of India should welcome the intent in this step".
Earlier in the day when US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller was questioned about the American government's response over the CAA potentially impacting religious freedom in India, Miller stated, "We are concerned... we are closely monitoring this law (and) how it will be implemented".