India Objects to U.S. Remarks on Arvind Kejriwal’s Arrest

India has expressed “strong objection” to the remarks made by the U.S. State Department regarding the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in an alleged corruption case. The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized that “fellow democracies” should respect each other’s sovereignty and highlighted India’s “independent judiciary”.

India firmly stated that in diplomacy, states are expected to be respectful of the sovereignty and internal affairs of others, especially among fellow democracies. The U.S. government’s statement expressing hope for a fair and transparent legal process for Mr. Kejriwal’s case was met with India’s assertion of its legal processes being based on an independent judiciary committed to objective and timely outcomes. In response to the U.S. remarks, India summoned a senior U.S. diplomat and lodged a strong protest, emphasizing its discontent with external comments on internal legal matters.