The Khobragade episode vs India's honour

Khobragade’s episode shows that misplaced notions of pride guide Indian public sentiment.

Let’s step away from a the debate about who is right and wrong in this unexpected diplomatic tussle between India and the US over the treatment meted out to an Indian diplomat Devyani Khobragade.

Mrs Khobragade has been indicted in the US for visa fraud and for making false statements about the compensation given to her housekeeper, who is also an Indian. The row  has strained the relations between the two countries. India has acted swiftly to withdraw a series of petty privileges enjoyed by the US diplomatic staff. It also expelled one of the US diplomats.

But look at this: the diplomat’s father went on record to thank Indians who ‘stood with me like rock’ and ludicrously said that his daughter is so popular now that political parties have approached both her and him to run in parliamentary elections, and he might consider!

Clearly, Mr Khobragade must know that his daughter has not done any heroic act. The fact of the matter is that she has been indicted on serious charges. She has merely been made a ‘hero’ by the Indian foreign ministry.

New Delhi’s retaliatory responses and stringent condemnation in the name of India’s honour is something that is can be easily sold to India’s not very well informed population. They see that the manner in which the diplomat was arrested is detestable, which is true, but miss the bigger picture. It also must be remembered that the complainant is one of us: an Indian. The ill treatment meted out to her (not proven) is something that many Indians systematically face everyday in some form or the other. Clearly,if they really understand the issue purely on humane terms, they would be able to relate more to Mrs Richards, the maid rather than the diplomat.

So, if political parties have approached the Khobragades, it’s a national shame and speaks volumes about the rickety nature of politics in this country.

 Strangely India is fighting on the ‘immunity’ issue, and hasn’t condemned the crime committed by the diplomat. The MEA as a powerful lobby, and given the nature of their jobs considers itself as a cut above the rest and is trying the save its own skin.

It is now an open secret that diplomats from all countries have been abusing their privileges. What is difficult to understand is why a maid is needed when posted in developed countries, when millions of ordinary Indians living abroad can do without one.

And, taking about national pride and honour, let’s not forget that the diplomat in question is married to a US citizen, her children- until this issue erupted -would have presumably been brought up like Americans rather than Indians. She has used her position to make her life comfortable for herself and her family. There is nothing wrong in it. But when her husband is an American why could she not pay the legal minimum wage to the maid? And, now when she is in trouble for offences committed against someone who is also an Indian, why should ordinary Indians show solidarity with her?

On the contrary, Mrs Khobragade has done irreparable damage to the reputation of Indians at large by her reckless and insensitive behaviour, and this could have serious repercussions  on a number of  issues related to foreign affairs where US support is needed.