US State Department spokesperson Mathew Miller faced tough questions during a press briefing regarding the country’s stance on the arrest of Indian opposition leader Arvind Kejriwal versus the silence on arrests of Pakistani opposition leaders.
A journalist pointed out that the US issued daily statements on Kejriwal’s arrest and the freezing of assets of the Congress party in India but remained silent on political prisoners in Pakistan. The journalist questioned why the US had a strong stance for Indian opposition but not for Pakistani opposition.
Miller defended the US position by stating that they wanted to see everyone in Pakistan treated with consistent rule of law and human rights. He emphasized that the US’s stance was to ensure that all individuals in Pakistan are treated with respect for human rights, just as they advocate for in any country.
In response to the US’s remarks, India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasized the importance of respecting each country’s sovereignty and not interfering in internal affairs. Jaishankar used the term “Maryada” to stress the need for countries to refrain from passing comments on each other’s politics.
The exchange highlights the delicate balance of international relations and the importance of respecting each country’s sovereignty. As tensions rise between nations, it becomes crucial to navigate diplomatic relations with care and sensitivity.