The US Department of State’s principal deputy spokesperson, Vedant Patel, stated on Monday that the US and Indian governments share a commitment to democratic values, including freedom of expression. He also noted that the US is closely monitoring Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s case as it progresses through Indian courts. Patel emphasized the importance of respect for the rule of law and judicial independence in any democracy, and stated that he is watching Gandhi’s case.
In order to strengthen both democracies, Patel highlighted the value of democratic principles and the protection of human rights, including freedom of expression. When asked if the US is interacting with India or Rahul Gandhi, Patel stated that he doesn’t have any specific engagements to read out, but it is normal for the US to interact with members of opposition parties in any country where they have bilateral relationships.
This development comes after Rahul Gandhi was given a two-year prison sentence by a Surat court on Thursday in a defamation case involving his remark about the “Modi surname” he made in 2019 at an election rally in Karnataka. Later on Friday, he was declared ineligible to serve as a Member of Parliament (MP) as of the date of his conviction in the criminal defamation case related to his remark about the “Modi surname.” Rahul Gandhi had served as an MP for the Kerala district of Wayanad.
