India's Ministry of External Affairs responded firmly to the US's second statement regarding the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, labeling the remarks as "unwarranted" and "unacceptable." MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that any external interference in India's electoral and legal processes is entirely unacceptable, asserting that India's legal procedures are strictly governed by the rule of law. Jaiswal emphasized that nations sharing similar democratic values should recognize and respect India's commitment to the rule of law.
Furthermore, the MEA underscored India's pride in its independent and robust democratic institutions, affirming its dedication to safeguarding them from undue external influences. The statement emphasized the importance of mutual respect and understanding in international relations, emphasizing the expectation that states should respect the sovereignty and internal affairs of others.
This response from the MEA follows the US's reiterated call for fair, transparent, and timely legal processes regarding Arvind Kejriwal's arrest. US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller's remarks came in the wake of India summoning a US diplomat to protest against the earlier US comments on Kejriwal's arrest. Despite Miller's refusal to comment on India's diplomatic action, he acknowledged Congress's allegations of freezing bank accounts, urging fair, transparent, and timely legal processes for all related issues.
India had previously objected strongly to the US's initial remarks on Kejriwal's arrest, stating that such comments were not in line with diplomatic norms and could set unhealthy precedents, particularly among fellow democracies. The MEA reiterated the expectation of respect for sovereignty and internal affairs in diplomatic interactions between nations.
