MEA says Khobragade issue caused 'misunderstanding' between India, US

The diplomatic row that emerged between India and US concerning Indian diplomat Deyani Khobragade did create “misunderstanding” even though the relationship between both countries continue to “grow” according to Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh. 

 

“The issue (concerning Devyani Khobragade) caused a certain degree of misunderstanding for a certain period of time … The India-US relationship is strong and will continue to grow from strength to strength,” Singh said here today while addressing women reporters on the occasion of the International Women’s Day. 

 

Singh said India will continue to engage with US on policy and strategic matters. She highlighted the visit of US Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz here next week as an indication of the relation being “normal.”

 

Last year in December, India’s Deputy Consul General in New York Devyani Khobragade was arrested strip-searched over visa fraud charges and underpaying her housekeeper triggering a huge diplomatic spat between India and US. 

 

The imbroglio even resulted in expulsion of an American diplomat from India even as US Embassy officials were stripped off their special privileges. US Ambassador Nancy Powell and senior US consulate officials continue to remain without an airport pass, which was previously given to them.

 

On the issue of US raising concerns against India’s intellectual property and tax laws, Singh said “this is due to misinformation” and India is trying to allay their concerns. 

 

US has recently threatened that it might put India in the ‘Priority Foreign Country’ list, allowing a closer scrutiny on India IPR and patent laws that might result in trade sanctions. 

 

In the last couple of years, the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) has also intensified its actions against Indian drug companies, especially Ranbaxy, with increased inspections and regulatory measures. India is the largest drugs supplier to US. 

 

USFDA chief Margaret Hamburg, who visited India from February 10-18, had clearly told India to adhere to their standards if it wants to access and increase their presence in the US. 

 

 

Indian companies, including Ranbaxy and Wockhardt, received 50% of the 21 warning notices sent by the US FDA in 2013 on concerns over quality.

 

The last meeting of India- US Financial and Economic Partnership was held in Washington in October 2013 where US firms had been extremely vocal about the “deteriorating innovation climate” in India.