Khobragade's father thanks nation, says his daughter kept the nation's dignity

Uttam Khobragade Indian diplomat Dr. Devyani Khobragade's father on Friday thanked the nation for the support given to his daughter and said that the U.S had told her that if she followed their instructions charges against her would be dropped but Devyani did not compromise on the nation's dignity.

"Devyani was told by the US to accept that she paid less to her domestic help and pay a fine. The charges would then be dropped," disclosed Khobragade.

But she refused to compromise and gave more importance to the dignity of the country than personal comfort," he said.

"I would also like to thank the nation for standing up together for a cause that was important to every Indian. Devyani was fighting to uphold the dignity of this country," he added.

He said that she left today with full diplomatic immunity vindicating the stand that whatever dispute is being raised in the US is a prerogative of India and can only be decided by an Indian court

"My daughter will come back to her family and this would not have been possible without the support of the people, the government, and media," said Khobragade.

"For this entire month media stood with us like a rock. I have no words to express my gratitude. I now understand that if this country comes together for a cause, justice is inevitable," he added.

Indian diplomat Dr. Devyani Khobragade has been given diplomatic immunity and is flying back to India, MEA spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said on Friday.

Akbaruddin further said that Khobragade, Counsellor at the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations in New York, was accredited on January 8 and given the privileges and immunities of a diplomatic envoy under the terms of Section 15 of the Headquarters Agreement between the United Nations and the United States.

According to Akbaruddin, at the time of her departure to India, Khobragade reiterated her innocence regarding charges filed against her and affirmed her gratitude to the Indian government, the people and the media for their support during this period.

She also affirmed her determination to ensure that the episode would not leave a lasting impact on her family, in particular, her children, who are still in the United States, Akbaruddin added.