In a diplomatic standoff, the United States of America has reiterated its stance on the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, despite India summoning a senior US diplomat to register its protest. Additionally, Washington has commented on the freezing of bank accounts belonging to the Congress party, expressing concerns over its impact on the upcoming elections.
State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller emphasized Washington’s support for fair, transparent, and timely legal processes during a briefing on Wednesday. “We continue to follow these actions closely, including the arrest of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal,” Miller stated, responding to questions regarding India’s summoning of Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Gloria Berbena and the freezing of Congress party’s bank accounts.
“We encourage fair, transparent, and timely legal processes for each of these issues,” Miller reiterated, reaffirming the US position. Despite India’s objection to the remarks made by a US State Department official regarding Kejriwal’s arrest, Miller emphasized the importance of respecting sovereignty and internal affairs in diplomatic relations.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India strongly objected to the US State Department’s remarks, asserting that India’s legal processes are based on an independent judiciary committed to objective and timely outcomes. The MEA underscored the significance of diplomatic respect, particularly among fellow democracies, and criticized any unwarranted casting of aspersions on India’s legal system.
Meanwhile, the German Foreign Ministry spokesperson commended the Indian judicial system, emphasizing shared democratic values with India. This statement comes in the wake of India summoning a German diplomat over remarks concerning Kejriwal’s arrest, labeling it as blatant interference.
The arrest of Arvind Kejriwal by the Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering case linked to the excise policy ‘scam’ has sparked both domestic and international reactions. The case revolves around alleged corruption and money laundering related to the formulation and execution of the Delhi government’s excise policy for 2021-22, subsequently annulled.
