Indo-US diplomatic spat off.

Diplomatic relationship between India and US hit at the lowest level after the arrest of Devyani Khobragade, Indian deputy-consul in New York. Public outrage in India mainly not because of her arrest, but the way it has conducted. US marshals has arrested her when she was picking up her children from school and handcuffed her in public. They have treated her similar like other criminals, done strip search and cavity testing, put her in cell with other drugs and local criminals. In US point of view it is normal practice to all criminals and showing that everyone is equal in front of law, in India public believes there is some conspiracy behind its diplomat arrest.

Domestic servant of Devyani gave complaint to US authorities that she hasn’t received her salary mentioned as per the visa. According to her lawyer, in visa her eligible salary is 4500$ but she got only around 600$. Fraud submission of details to get US visa is a serious offence and it may lead up to 10 years of imprisonment and hefty fine. According to US officials they have informed this to Indian high commission 2 months before, but Indian consulate saying that they haven’t got any proper information from US side. As per Devyani’s comment, she has informed US authorities about domestic servant’s missing and was not available for work; she saying salary paid to other party based on total working hours.

In India the incident got public outrage against US and there is much pressure from all quarters of society to retaliate in the same way. It is considered as US supremacy which have tasted by few politicians including most respected former president APJ Abdul Kalam. The events of outrage started by Narendra Modi, the prime minister candidate of BJP cancelled his meeting with US congressman who were in India for trade and friendly relations. Ruling congress ministers have forced to do the same way as Modi, which may come up as another hot topic for next general elections.

No one will believe that it is an incident happen naturally. Victim’s family have already flew to US before they arrest Devyani. It has proved that US did all precautionary measures before arresting Consular. US may not realize that the issue will cause much outrage in India, but they never apologize for whatever happened and confirmed that it is all legal. They can influence their decisions in India more than current Indian government. After this arrest episode certain corners in India have brought the Devyani’s involvement in Adarsh Scam, her father’s past actions and her husband’s citizenship and character. It shows how strong the US supporting lobbies in India.

US have a strong lobby in India and some of them may get money support, some of them getting power and some of their families getting high paid jobs and high level education in US. Those people are included in all quarters of society especially in bureaucracy, media and other NGOs. In certain extent they can influence the public in India and that’s what US doing now with bringing Devyani’s background through newspapers and other Medias.

Indian government responded aggressively in initial days. External affairs ministry announced that they will revoke the diplomat ID pass from all consular staff. As a show off they have removed barricade from Delhi US consulate backside entrance. But after the early responds now it shows that Government of India softens its stance. US consulate still hasn’t given back their IDs to India and asking more time. There is no other option for India, but move Devyani to UN office to get Immunity from US laws that too still based on the kindness of US authority.

Respond from Indian government was not firm enough, even small countries would have responded strongly than India. It has proved the absolute failure of external ministry, showing the lack of decisiveness and authority. These incidents will give boost to neighbors who have already in scene with cross border terrorism, crossing borders and expanding their influence in Indian Ocean. India has to understand and believe that peaceful nation doesn’t mean that a weak nation. Peace will come always when you have necessary strength and weakness.