It is not often, and actually unprecedented where Germany is concerned, for foreign governments to speak on internal political developments of a country. And when they do, it should be a matter of concern for the concerned country and government that is basically being told by the others that one, they are worried about developments within; two, they are keeping a watch; and three, they expect the particular government to follow accepted international norms.

In the world of diplomacy these indicators are enough of a warning that there is global interest in a particular development, and the country concerned should not go ahead in the belief that such action will not ignite world attention and perhaps even condemnation.

Thus, India cannot make light of the comments from the United States State Department and now the German Foreign Office about the disqualification of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi from Parliament because of a conviction on defamation in a sessions court. That the two countries do not believe this to be a direct and justified consequence of court action is clear from the remarks, and are keeping a close watch as it were on the developments since.

Below is an excerpt from the US State Department briefing that is a little longer so that the context of the question and answer is not lost. The question was initially on the US hosted Summit for Democracy:

Right. So there’s no change? Given this development – in other words, the prime minister agreeing to a pause, which you welcome – there’s no change?

MR (Vedant) PATEL (US State Department spokesperson): Israel is an invitee to the Summit for Democracy this year, as it was last year, and —

QUESTION: And that won’t change?

MR PATEL: That – I have no change in programming to announce.

QUESTION: Could I piggyback off that?

MR PATEL: Sure.

QUESTION: Just in terms of other democracies invited to the summit, India. Rahul Gandhi, the opposition leader, has been expelled from parliament. Do you have anything to say about that? Is that consistent with democratic values?

MR PATEL: Thanks for your question, Shaun. So respect for the rule of law and judicial independence is a cornerstone of any democracy, and we’re watching Mr. Gandhi’s case in Indian courts, and we engage with the Government of India on our shared commitment to democratic values – including, of course, freedom of expression.

In our engagements with our Indian partners, we continue to highlight the importance of democratic principles and the protection of human rights, including freedom of expression, as a key to strengthening both our democracies.

QUESTION: Can I just follow up briefly?

MR PATEL: Sure.

QUESTION: You just said engaging with the Government of India. How about Mr. Gandhi himself? Is the United States still engaging with him as the opposition leader?

MR PATEL: I don’t have any specific engagements to read out, Shaun. But as I’m sure you know as someone who’s covered this department for some time, it is normal and standard for us to engage with members of opposition parties in any country where we have bilateral relationships. But I don’t have any specific engagement to read out.

So Patel made four points in the above: one, that the US is watching Rahul Gandhi’s case in the courts; two, that it is engaging with the Indian government on this issue; three, that it has highlighted the importance of democratic principles, human rights, and freedom of expression; and four it is in touch with Rahul Gandhi. All important from the Indian perspective, coming from Washington at a time when all the important meetings and summits are around the corner, as are the general elections in India.

Germany followed up with a similarly strong intervention. Strong, as unlike the US, it does not intervene in what it holds to be internal affairs of a sovereign country. Spokesperson of the German Foreign ministry , in comments aired on German state-owned international broadcaster Deutsche Welle (DW) said, “We have taken note of the verdict of the first instance against the Indian opposition politician Rahul Gandhi as well as the suspension of his parliamentary mandate. To our knowledge, Rahul Gandhi is in a position to appeal the verdict. An appeal will show whether the verdict stands and whether suspension has a basis. We expect standards of judicial independence and democratic principles to be applied.”

Germany has thus flagged the issue of the conviction and the disqualification of Rahul Gandhi in what are termed strong words in diplomatese. And although the matter is in an Indian court Germany has warned, “we expect standards of judicial independence and democratic principles to be applied.”

These strong comments come amidst the Congress party’s loud protests across the country questioning the government for stifling freedom of expression and speech both in and outside Parliament. Interestingly, however this support has not been officially highlighted by either Rahul Gandhi or the Indian National Congress party on social media. And not responded to, at least so far, by the government of India although the interventions have created ripples within the diplomatic world.

However, Congress leader Digvijay Singh whose intentions have always been in doubt in his own party has opened the doors for BJP response with a tweet thanking Germany, saying, “Thank you Germany Foreign Affairs Ministry and Richard Walker @rbsw for taking note of how the Democracy is being compromised in India through persecution of @RahulGandhi”,.

This gave the opening for the BJP top brass to wade in with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the lead with, “Apparent that @INCIndia wants foreign interference in our affairs.

Sign Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Communist Party of China with opaque contents. During interactions abroad, plead for help to change government.

Thank them when help forthcoming.

Any more proof needed?”

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju tweeted amongst others from his party, “Thank you Rahul Gandhi for inviting foreign powers for interference into India’s internal matters. Remember, Indian Judiciary can't be influenced by foreign interference. India won't tolerate 'foreign influence' anymore because our Prime Minister is:- Shri @narendramodi Ji “.

But the message has gone across, governments to government. Heard and received.

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SEEMA MUSTAFA.