US toned down on arrest of Indian diplomat

The United States is reviewing details surrounding the arrest of an Indian diplomat in New York, a US official said on December 17, after the incident sparked an angry response from New Delhi.

US State Department Deputy Spokesperson Marie Harf acknowledged that this was a "sensitive issue" and said: "We will carefully study the procedures surrounding the arrest to ensure that all due process was followed and every opportunity to demonstrate courtesy was taken... We will continue to work on this issue with India in the spirit of partnership and cooperation, which reflects the broad bilateral relationship between our two countries."

Multiple sources said that New York police had conducted an indecent search on Indian diplomat Devyani Khobragade. (Photo: PTI)

Meanwhile, according to Indian media, angered by the harsh treatment of its diplomats by US authorities, India has implemented a series of drastic measures including: Requesting all US diplomats and consular staff stationed in India to return their Indian-issued identity cards; revoking the immunity status of all US diplomatic envoys nationwide.

At the same time, the Indian Government requested the Delhi State Police to remove traffic barriers on roads near the US Embassy, ​​except for those outside the US Embassy; stop granting licenses for duty-free purchases from the US Embassy... and many other measures./.

According to VNA