'Diplomatic privileges given on reciprocal basis'

Diplomatic "privileges and immunities" to foreign envoys in India are extended on "reciprocal basis" and special airport access to the US ambassador here has not been restored following the row between the two countries over Indian diplomat Devyani Khobragade, informed sources said.

The sources said that privileges had been granted to the US diplomats on "give and take" basis but were brought on parity following the row concerning the Indian diplomat.

They said that the special airport access pass to the US envoy, which was withdrawn in the wake of arrest of Khobragade, had not been restored on the basis of reciprocity.

The arrest of Khobragade in December on charges of visa fraud charges had triggered a row between India and the US. Khobragade returned to India after being indicted by a US jury.