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 call for “fair, transparent, timely legal processes” on Wednesday.
US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller reaffirmed this stance while addressing questions about India summoning Gloria Berbena, the US Acting Deputy Chief of Mission in New Delhi.
The meeting at the foreign ministry’s South Block office lasted nearly 40 minutes, during which India strongly objected to the US remarks on Mr. Kejriwal’s arrest.
Miller also addressed inquiries about the Congress party’s frozen bank accounts, acknowledging their allegations and emphasizing the need for fair legal procedures in both cases.
In response to questions regarding diplomatic conversations, Miller reiterated the US position on fair legal processes, stating, “We encourage fair, transparent, timely legal processes. We don’t think anyone should object to that.”
Mr. Kejriwal’s recent arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) marks the third Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader detained in connection with the alleged liquor policy scam.
The US State Department, monitoring the situation, urged New Delhi to ensure a fair and timely legal process for the jailed Chief Minister, prompting objections from India and warnings of “unhealthy precedents.”
India emphasized its commitment to independent judiciary and urged against casting doubt on its legal processes.
The US remarks followed similar statements from Germany’s Foreign Office, which led to India’s strong reaction and summoning of the German envoy, labeling the remark as “blatant interference in internal matters.”
The excise policy aimed to reform Delhi’s liquor business but was scrapped after allegations of irregularities.
The ED alleges that bribe money from the policy funded AAP’s election campaigns and has implicated Mr. Kejriwal as a “conspirator” in the case. His arrest ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha election sparked protests from the opposition.