I praise the manner in which the Indian authorities have registered their anger over the treatment of an Indian diplomat in New York. The reason for praising the reaction is that at least there is one country on the map of the world that has the courage to stand up to a superpower. I do agree that the Indian diplomat enjoyed diplomatic immunity as envisaged in the Vienna Convention. When we see this case through this angle then the US officials’ highhandedness is condemnable. Had the lady been not a diplomat, the search procedures would not have raised any eyebrows.
The main issue, however, has slipped into oblivion. It has taken a backseat. Where is the maid? One has to agree that the Indian diplomat committed a crime. She must be taken to task if found guilty. We should condemn the treatment meted out to her but must also condemn her for the “crime” she was arrested for. Just because somebody enjoys diplomatic immunity does not give that person the right to do anything and get away with it. If we go through the news reports appeared in the world press, it gives an impression that the Indian diplomat not only lied to the authorities but also was exploiting her compatriot. Her maid was underpaid.
At least we all have to agree on that point. We should also raise voice for the rights of the maid as well. The maid was also an Indian and somebody’s daughter. We must not forget this case and should also be highlighted at every platform. If an India official can exploit another Indian then we should not complain about people belonging to other nationalities usurping our rights outside India. — Ramesh Kumar, Dammam
Indian diplomat row
