The Ministry of External Affairs summoned the US Acting Deputy Chief of Mission, Gloria Berbena on Wednesday, a day after the Washington government said it was "closely monitoring" the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with the liquor policy scam.

"In diplomacy, states are expected to be respectful of the sovereignty and internal affairs of others. This responsibility is even more so in case of fellow democracies. It could otherwise end up setting unhealthy precedents," the statement said.

The Ministry noted that "India’s legal processes are based on an independent judiciary which is committed to objective and timely outcomes. Casting aspersions on that is unwarranted".

On Tuesday, the US State Department spokesperson said, "We encourage a fair, transparent, and timely legal process for Chief Minister Kejriwal."

Source: India Today