Amidst ongoing legal proceedings in India, international reactions have surfaced, with the United States and Germany expressing their perspectives. The U.S. has reaffirmed its encouragement for ‘fair, transparent, and timely legal processes,’ despite India’s protest over comments made regarding the arrest of Delhi’s Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal, and the allegations by Congress about freezing of their bank accounts by tax authorities. U.S. State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller highlighted their stance, despite India’s expression of discontent through diplomatic channels. Miller, while declining to comment on the specifics of diplomatic discussions, reiterated the U.S.’s public stance on the necessity of fair legal proceedings.
India, on its part, has remained steadfast in its objection to the U.S.’s remarks about its internal legal actions. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Gloria Berbena, conveying India’s stance on respecting a nation’s sovereignty and internal affairs, especially between democracies. The MEA emphasized the independence and commitment of the Indian judiciary to deliver objective and timely outcomes, considering any aspersions on it as unwarranted.
In contrast to the tension with the U.S., Germany exhibited confidence in the Indian judicial system. After India summoned a German diplomat regarding remarks on Kejriwal’s arrest, the German Foreign Ministry spoke favorably about the shared democratic values and the guarantees provided by the Indian Constitution for human values and freedoms. The commendatory statement underscored Germany’s partnership with India and their confidence in the judiciary’s adherence to fundamental democratic principles. Meanwhile, Arvind Kejriwal faces an arrest by the Enforcement Directorate in relation to a money laundering case associated with the scrapped excise policy. This legal and diplomatic narrative reflects the ongoing interactions between India and global democracies as they navigate the complexities of international relations and domestic legal proceedings.