India made a pointed commentary on the US government's handling of protests erupting across American university campuses, invoking the concept of "democracy" - a term frequently employed by Washington to admonish other nations. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson underscored the importance of democracies exhibiting mutual understanding, particularly towards their counterparts.
Addressing the issue on Thursday, the MEA spokesperson emphasized the necessity of striking a delicate balance between freedom of expression, accountability, and public safety within democratic frameworks. Despite the widespread arrests of over 2,100 students involved in encampments and protests on prominent American campuses, the MEA noted that no Indian student or their families had approached consulates in the US seeking assistance regarding disciplinary actions related to their participation in the demonstrations.
Randhir Jaiswal, the MEA spokesperson, reiterated the expectation for all Indian citizens, whether at home or abroad, to adhere to local laws and regulations. Meanwhile, the US authorities intensified efforts to quell the protests by arresting hundreds of students and non-students alike, including individuals involved in encampments at institutions like Columbia University and the City University of New York (CUNY).
Mayor Eric Adams attributed the upheaval on college campuses to "outside agitators" aiming to instigate disorder, with some reports suggesting a deliberate effort to radicalize young people. While acknowledging the involvement of non-affiliated individuals, Mayor Adams emphasized that the takeover of Hamilton Hall at Columbia University was primarily led by external actors, despite the presence of some students within the group.
