New Delhi: India on Thursday (April 6) said it has noted the charging of former US President Donald Trump with falsifying business records, stating that it was a matter for American institutions and systems. At the same time, the Ministry of External Affairs also expressed displeasure at other countries, pointing fingers at Germany, for commenting on Indian developments.
An inquiry into the payment of hush money to an adult film star resulted in the arrest and charging of the former US president on Tuesday, with 34 felony counts.
“We have noted the developments that happened earlier this week. This is a matter for the US institutions and systems to address,” MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said at the weekly briefing on Thursday.
In the same breath, Bagchi added that he wanted to make a “larger comment”.
“We see comments from time to time by foreign governments on developments in India. Germany is a recent example. I am not sure what they seek to achieve by such comments. Certainly, India is not waiting for their views or validation nor do such comments matter for the functioning of the Indian systems and institutions,” he said.
Bagchi was alluding to Berlin’s remarks after the disqualification of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi from parliament.
Following Gandhi’s disqualification, Germany said that it has taken note of the case and expected that the standards of judicial independence and fundamental democratic principles will be followed.
Last week, Germany on Thursday said that it has taken note of the court verdict that sentenced Gandhi to two years for defamation and also the suspension from parliament. “To our knowledge, Mr Gandhi is in a position to appeal the verdict. It will then become clear whether this verdict will stand and whether the suspension of his mandate has any basis,” said a German foreign ministry spokesperson during a press briefing.
The spokesperson added that Germany “expects that the standards of judicial independence and fundamental democratic principles will apply in the case”.
Earlier, US State Department principal deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel stated that Washington was monitoring Gandhi’s case. “Respect for the rule of law and judicial independence is a cornerstone of any democracy, and we’re watching Mr. Gandhi’s case in Indian courts,” he said addressing a press briefing in Washington.
When asked about Gandhi’s disqualification as an MP, Patel stated that the United States collaborates with the Indian government in promoting democratic values, such as freedom of expression. “The US engages with the government of India on our shared commitment to democratic values, including of course freedom of expression in our engagements with our Indian partners,” he said.