Team Blitz India
EXTERNAL Affairs Minister S Jaishankar issued a strong warning to the international community against unwarranted political commentary on India’s internal matters. He emphasised that any such intrusion would be met with a firm response.
Jaishankar’s statements were prompted by remarks from envoys of the US, Germany, and the United Nations concerning the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal by the Enforcement Directorate, a matter India vehemently protested against.
In a resolute tone, Jaishankar addressed reporters in Ahmedabad, stating, “Somebody asked a person from the UN (about Kejriwal’s arrest), and he gave some reply. But in other cases, I would say very frankly these are old habits, these are bad habits.”
Underlining the utmost importance of upholding nations’ sovereignty and refraining from interfering in their internal matters, Jaishankar stressed, “There is a certain ‘maryada’ (restraint) among countries. We are sovereign nations; we should not meddle in each other’s internal affairs or make comments about each other’s politics.” He further highlighted the necessity of adhering to international etiquettes, conventions, and practices in diplomatic relations, cautioning that any foreign commentary on India’s politics would be met with a strong response.
“…We sincerely urge all the countries in the world that by all means you have your views about the world, but no country has the right to comment on another country’s politics especially in situations like this,” Jaishankar asserted.
Last week, India summoned a senior American diplomat to express its protest against the US State Department’s call for a fair legal process for the arrested Delhi Chief Minister. Similar protests were lodged with Germany.