Jaishankar criticizes 'West' for commenting on Rahul Gandhi's disqualification

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar criticized "saintly" Western nations for commenting on the internal affairs of other countries. Jaishankar was responding to a question about Germany and the US by passing unsolicited remarks on the disqualification of Indian MP Rahul Gandhi.

EAM said the West thinks it has a "God-given" right to comment on India's internal affairs. He was speaking at a 'Meet and Greet' interaction in the South Indian city of Bengaluru in the presence of BJP MP Tejaswi Surya and PC Mohan.

"I will give you the truthful answer (on why we see West commenting on India). There are two reasons. It is because the West has a bad habit of commenting on others. They somehow think it is some kind of god-given right. They will have to learn only by experience that if they keep doing this, other people will also start commenting and they will not like it when it happens. And I see that happening," said Jaishankar. 

"The second part of the truth - In our arguments, you are inviting the people to comment on you. Then more and more people are tempted to comment. We also need to stop giving generous invitations to the world saying there are problems in India, and (urging) America and the world (by saying), why are you standing by doing nothing? So if somebody from here goes and says why are you standing by and saying nothing, then obviously they are going to comment. Part of the problem is them, and part of the problem is us. And I think both need fixing." he added

What did the US and Germany say?

Notably, earlier this week, the US state department issued a statement saying Washington was 'watching' the matter whilst issuing a sermon on 'democratic values' to New Delhi.  "Respect for the rule of law and judicial independence is a cornerstone of any democracy. We are watching Mr Gandhi's case in Indian courts and we engage with the Government of India on our shared commitment to democratic values, including freedom of expression," said Vedant Patel, the US state department's main deputy spokesperson. 

A few days later, Germany also chimed in with a response along the same lines, saying 'fundamental democratic principles' should apply in the case of the Congress leader's disqualification.  "We have taken note of the verdict of first instance against the Indian opposition politician Rahul Gandhi as well as the suspension of his parliamentary mandate. To our knowledge, Mr Gandhi is in a position to appeal the verdict, " said a German foreign ministry spokesperson. 

What happened to Rahul Gandhi?

Last month, a city court convicted Indian National Congress (INC) leader Gandhi in a criminal defamation case for his alleged "Modi surname" remarks. The court sentenced the Gandhi scion to two years in prison and also fined him Rs 15,000 ($183) under sections 499 (defamation) and 500 (punishment for defamation) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). However, he was granted bail and appealed against the decision.