“Watching Rahul Gandhi’s case…nothing specific to read out…”US State Department reacts

Mar 28, 2023

Washington (US), March 28 (ANI): The United States is watching Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's case in Indian courts, US Department of State Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel said on March 27 (local time), adding that the US engages with the Indian government on a shared commitment to democratic values, including freedom of expression. “Respect for the rule of law and judicial independence is a cornerstone of any democracy, and we’re watching Mr Gandhi's (Rahul Gandhi) case in Indian courts,” he said in a press briefing while responding to a question regarding Rahul Gandhi’s expulsion from the Indian Parliament. “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 added. “We continue to highlight the importance of democratic principles and the protection of human rights including freedom of expression as a key to strengthening both our democracies,” Vedant Patel said. When asked whether the US is engaging with India or Rahul Gandhi, he said, “I don't have any specific engagements to read out... but as I am sure you know some of these covered this department for some time it is normal and standard for us to engage with members of opposition parties in any country where we have bilateral relationships but I don't have any specific engagement to read out.”