Kerry voices 'regret' over Indian diplomat arrest, as clash escalates

[WestVirginiaRebel]

Fox News:

Secretary of State John Kerry personally expressed "regret" to the Indian government for last week's arrest of an Indian consular official, in an urgent bid to temper a diplomatic clash which escalated into Wednesday.

 

The controversy grew as the Indian diplomat, Devyani Khobragade, claimed she was subjected to a cavity search, and New Delhi ramped up its retaliatory measures.

 

The State Department said Kerry personally called Indian National Security Adviser Shivshankar Menon on Wednesday to discuss the case. The statement said Kerry understands the importance of enforcing U.S. law but "it is also particularly important to Secretary Kerry that foreign diplomats serving in the United States are accorded respect and dignity just as we expect our own diplomats should receive overseas."

 

The statement added that "in his conversation with National Security Advisor Menon he expressed his regret, as well as his concern that we not allow this unfortunate public issue to hurt our close and vital relationship with India."

 

According to Indian media, Khobragade has been transferred to India's Permanent Mission in New York, potentially a move to get her diplomatic immunity.

________

 

"Smart power!"