US Denies Russian Interference Allegations in Indian Elections
US denies Russia's election meddling claim in India, stresses respect for sovereignty, satisfaction with India's response to alleged plot.
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The United States firmly rejected Russia's assertion that it was meddling in India's Lok Sabha election. Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the US State Department, made it clear that the US rejects Russia's assertion and refrains from intervening in any elections worldwide. He stressed that such decisions are solely the prerogative of the Indian people.
Miller responded to queries regarding recent remarks by Russian spokesperson Maria Zakharova. She accused the US of levelling groundless accusations against India, suggesting a lack of understanding of India's history and disrespect for the country.
Zakharova alleged that the US was seeking to disrupt India's internal political landscape to sway the ongoing general elections. She characterised this as a colonial-era mindset, accusing the US of undue interference in India's domestic affairs.
Miller declined to comment on a Washington Post article referenced by Zakharova, citing ongoing legal considerations. He pointed out that the matter was subject to a legal process, hence refraining from discussing it in detail. This cautious stance from the US comes amidst allegations of election interference in India.
US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, expressed contentment with India's handling of the allegations regarding a purported plot to harm Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. He highlighted the significance of accountability in fostering a constructive relationship between the US and India.
Garcetti acknowledged that there might be challenges in the India-US-Russia relations but affirmed that the administration was pleased with India's responsiveness in addressing the situation.
The US firmly rejected Russia's claims of interference in India's elections, reiterating its respect for India's sovereignty in electoral matters. While refraining from engaging in specific allegations, US officials expressed satisfaction with India's handling of the situation concerning Pannun, emphasising the importance of mutual accountability in bilateral relations.
