REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, WASHINGTON -- The United States is reviewing the circumstances surrounding the arrest in New York of an Indian diplomat, a US official said Tuesday, seeking to defuse a growing row with New Delhi.
India has launched a series of reprisals against US diplomats in the country after last week's arrest of its deputy consul general, Devyani Khobragade, which it denounced as "humiliating."
State Department deputy spokeswoman Marie Harf acknowledged it was a "sensitive issue" but insisted it was a "separate and isolated incident" which should not "be tied together" and allowed to affect broader close US-Indian ties.
"Thus far all indications are that appropriate procedures were followed.
But nonetheless... we understand this is a very sensitive issue, and we're continuing to review exactly what transpired," Harf told journalists.
Khobragade was arrested after dropping her children off at school for allegedly underpaying her domestic helper, who is also an Indian national, and for lying on the helper's visa application form.
Harf confirmed that she had been arrested by the State Department's diplomatic security office, but had then been handed to local law enforcement officials and the US Marshal service which had been responsible for processing her case at the federal courthouse.
Harf could not confirm reports that Khobragade had been strip searched as part of the proceedings, saying the reason for the review was to find out exactly what happened.
In the escalating row over the arrest, the Indian government Tuesday ordered a range of measures including the return of identity cards for US consular officials that speed up travel into and through India, Indian foreign ministry sources said.
Indian security forces also removed barricades outside the US embassy in New Delhi, raising fears for the safety of personnel.
Harf urged the Indian government to uphold all its obligations to protect US diplomats in the country.
"Obviously the safety and security of our diplomats and consular officers in the field is a top priority. We'll continue to work with India to ensure that all of our diplomats and consular officers are being afforded full rights and protections," she said.
Harf also revealed that the State Department had written to the Indian embassy back in September to warn them "of allegations of abuse made by an Indian national against the deputy consular general of India in New York."
The case is the latest involving alleged mistreatment of domestic workers by wealthy Indian families. Many are poorly paid in India and rights groups regularly report cases of beating and other abuse.
Harf said in an earlier statement that while it was a US "law enforcement issue" which will have to go through the official channels, "we will continue to work this issue with India in the spirit of partnership and cooperation that marks our broad bilateral relationship."
"The United States and India enjoy a broad and deep friendship, and this isolated episode is not indicative of the close and mutually respectful ties we share," she added.
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