India calls in US diplomat following remarks regarding the arrest of Arvind Kejriwal

Previously, Germany's Foreign Office urged the Indian government to guarantee a "fair and unbiased trial" for Arvind Kejriwal, treating him like any other citizen facing charges.

New Delhi has strongly expressed its objections to statements made by a spokesperson from the US State Department regarding the recent arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in relation to an alleged liquor policy scam. The Ministry of External Affairs convened a meeting with Gloria Berbena, the Acting Deputy Chief of Mission of the US, lasting 40 minutes on Wednesday afternoon. Following the meeting, a concise statement was issued by the MEA cautioning against "unhealthy precedents" and discouraging "unwarranted aspersions".

The MEA emphasized the importance of respecting the sovereignty and internal affairs of other nations, especially among fellow democracies, to avoid setting negative precedents. Furthermore, it underscored India's legal system's foundation on an independent judiciary committed to fair and timely outcomes, rebuffing any insinuations to the contrary.

Earlier, the US State Department had commented on Mr. Kejriwal's arrest, urging New Delhi to ensure a "fair and timely legal process" for the detained leader of the Aam Aadmi Party. This statement followed similar sentiments expressed by Germany's Foreign Office, advocating for Mr. Kejriwal's entitlement to a fair and impartial trial like any other Indian citizen facing charges.

India's strong reaction to Germany's statement resulted in the summoning of the German envoy and condemnation of the Foreign Office's remarks as blatant interference in internal affairs. The MEA criticized such comments as undermining the independence of the judiciary and labeled biased assumptions as unwarranted.

When questioned about India's protest to Germany, the State Department spokesperson redirected inquiries to the German Foreign Ministry for clarification. This incident adds to a series of recent tensions between India and its counterparts, including disagreements over changes to the citizenship law earlier this month.

Arvind Kejriwal's arrest by the Enforcement Directorate last week in connection with the alleged liquor policy scam has sparked controversy within his AAP and triggered vehement opposition protests ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha election. Mr. Kejriwal is currently detained until March 28.

New Delhi has vehemently objected to remarks made by a spokesperson from the US State Department concerning the recent apprehension of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal over an alleged liquor policy scandal. The Ministry of External Affairs held a meeting with Gloria Berbena, Acting Deputy Chief of Mission of the US, lasting 40 minutes on Wednesday afternoon. Subsequently, the MEA issued a concise statement cautioning against "unhealthy precedents" and discouraging "unwarranted aspersions".

The MEA stressed the significance of upholding the sovereignty and internal affairs of other nations, particularly among fellow democracies, to prevent negative precedents from being set. Moreover, it reiterated India's legal system's reliance on an independent judiciary dedicated to fair and timely outcomes, refuting any insinuations to the contrary.

Earlier, the US State Department had commented on Mr. Kejriwal's arrest, urging New Delhi to ensure a "fair and timely legal process" for the detained leader of the Aam Aadmi Party. This statement echoed sentiments expressed by Germany's Foreign Office, which advocated for Mr. Kejriwal's entitlement to a fair and impartial trial similar to any other Indian citizen facing charges.

India's forceful response to Germany's statement led to the summoning of the German envoy and condemnation of the Foreign Office's remarks as blatant interference in internal affairs. The MEA criticized such comments for undermining the judiciary's independence and deemed biased assumptions unwarranted.

When questioned about India's protest to Germany, the State Department spokesperson redirected inquiries to the German Foreign Ministry for clarification. This incident further exacerbates recent tensions between India and its counterparts, including disputes over changes to the citizenship law earlier this month.

Arvind Kejriwal's arrest by the Enforcement Directorate last week over the alleged liquor policy scam has stirred controversy within his AAP and incited vehement opposition protests ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha election. Mr. Kejriwal remains detained until March 28.