Devyani Khobragade - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. Devyani Khobragade is an Indian diplomat who was serving as the Deputy Consul General of India in New York City at the time of her arrest in December 2013.
- 2. Khobragade was arrested by U.S. authorities on charges of visa fraud and making false statements in connection with her employment of a domestic worker, Sangeeta Richard.
- 3. The arrest of Khobragade sparked a diplomatic controversy between India and the United States, with India alleging that Khobragade was subjected to "humiliating" treatment during her arrest and detention.
- 4. Khobragade was strip-searched and placed in a holding cell with other female suspects following her arrest, which led to outrage in India and strained diplomatic relations between the two countries.
- 5. The Indian government retaliated by removing security barriers outside the U.S. embassy in New Delhi and downgrading the privileges of U.S. diplomats in India.
- 6. Khobragade was indicted by a federal grand jury in New York on charges of visa fraud and making false statements, but the charges were later dismissed after she was granted diplomatic immunity.
- 7. Following the incident, Khobragade was transferred to the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi and later appointed as Director in the Ministry of External Affairs.
- 8. Khobragade's case highlighted the issue of diplomatic immunity and the treatment of domestic workers in foreign countries, sparking debates about the rights and protections afforded to domestic workers employed by diplomats.
- 9. The case also raised questions about the treatment of Indian diplomats abroad and the need for greater respect for diplomatic norms and protocols.
- 10. Khobragade's arrest and subsequent diplomatic fallout underscored the complexities of international relations and the challenges of balancing national interests with respect for individual rights and dignity.