NEW DELHI: The Indian government on Wednesday took further retaliatory measures against the United States over the arrest of its diplomat in New York, ordering the US embassy in New Delhi to stop all commercial activities benefiting non-diplomats by January 16, as this violates local tax laws and also the Vienna Convention.
The ban stipulates shutting down a club at the US embassy – a popular facility for the US citizens living in the Indian capital – including a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, a bowling alley, a tennis court and other facilities.
Moreover, the United States was also informed by the Indian officials that the US embassy cars would no longer be immune to traffic violations.
The move came after India’s deputy consul general in New York Devyani Khobragade was arrested, handcuffed and strip-searched on December 13 for submitting false documents to obtain a work visa for her Manhattan housekeeper.
The Indian security forces had already removed the traffic barricades near the US Embassy in New Delhi that had been erected as a safety measure
The 39-year-old Devyani Khobragade is currently released on bail and is due in court on January 13. Her lawyers in the US requested an extension of the January 13 deadline for her indictment. However, the prosecution opposed their plea.
If convicted, the Indian diplomat could face a maximum sentence of 10 years.
