New Delhi: Following India’s summons of an American diplomat regarding their comments on the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the liquor policy case, the US restated its stance, emphasizing the need for “fair, transparent, timely legal processes.”
Responding to inquiries about India’s summoning of Gloria Berbena, the US Acting Deputy Chief of Mission in New Delhi, US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller stated, “We continue to closely monitor these developments, including the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.”
The meeting at the foreign ministry’s South Block office lasted nearly 40 minutes yesterday, during which India strongly objected to the US remarks on Mr. Kejriwal’s arrest.
“We advocate for fair, transparent, and timely legal processes for all involved parties,” Miller added.
Regarding diplomatic conversations, Miller declined to provide specifics but reiterated the US position on public record, stating, “We encourage fair, transparent, timely legal processes. We believe this is a principle no one should oppose.”
Kejriwal was arrested last week by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), becoming the third Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader, after Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh, to be taken into custody in connection with the alleged liquor policy scam.
On Tuesday, the US State Department announced its monitoring of reports concerning Kejriwal’s arrest and urged New Delhi to ensure “a fair and timely legal process” for the detained Chief Minister.
India promptly objected to this stance, cautioning against “unhealthy precedents.”
Kejriwal’s arrest, just ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha election, has sparked vehement protests from the opposition.