"Unwarranted, Unacceptable": India Reiterates Objection To US Remarks On Arvind Kejriwal's Arrest, Asks To Respect Sovereignty

Reiterating India's stance on the US State Department's comments on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's arrest, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) called it "unwarranted" and "unacceptable" on Thursday (28 March).

MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in the weekly press briefing, "Yesterday India had lodged its strong objection and protest with a senior official from the US embassy."

As reported yesterday, Gloria Berbena, the Acting Deputy Chief of Mission of the US was summoned in Delhi's South Block. The specifics of the meeting between MEA officials and Gloria Berbena were not disclosed.

"The recent remarks by the State Department are unwarranted. Any such external imputation on our electoral and legal processes is completely unacceptable," Jaiswal said emphasising the rule of law.

"Mutual respect and understanding form the foundation of international relations and states are expected to be respectful of sovereignty and internal affairs of others," Jaiswal concluded.

US State Department had said that it is monitoring reports regarding the arrest of Kejriwal and urging New Delhi to ensure "a fair, transparent, and timely legal process" for the incarcerated Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader.

After India objected to these remarks, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller again said in a press briefing, "We continue to follow these actions closely, including the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Kejriwal."