India Demands Accountability for 2023 Consulate Attack in San Francisco: EAM Jaishankar
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Synopsis
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized India's demand for accountability regarding the 2023 attack on its San Francisco consulate during a press conference after meeting US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He described the incident as a serious matter, urging that those responsible should face consequences.
Key Takeaways
- India seeks accountability for the 2023 consulate attack.
- The attack was described as a serious matter by EAM Jaishankar.
- Pro-Khalistani protesters breached security at the consulate.
- India demands concrete actions rather than sympathy from the US.
- Concerns over prolonged visa delays were raised by Jaishankar.
Washington, Jan 23 (NationPress) Just hours after his meeting with the newly appointed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar stated that "India expects accountability" for the 2023 attack on the Indian consulate in San Francisco, describing it as a "very serious matter" with a demand for those responsible to be held accountable.
He was in the United States to attend Donald Trump's inauguration as the 47th President.
In response to a question during a press conference in Washington D.C. on Wednesday, EAM Jaishankar remarked, "The arson attack on our consulate in San Francisco is a very, very serious matter, and it is something for which we expect accountability. We would like to see that people who did it are held responsible."
The Indian Consulate in San Francisco faced an attack from a group of assailants in March 2023. The intruders committed criminal trespass, vandalized public property, and assaulted officials of the Consulate.
Some attackers attempted to ignite the Consulate building using flammable substances on the same day.
Protesters breached makeshift security barriers while chanting pro-Khalistan slogans and even raised two Khalistani flags on the Consulate grounds.
Approximately three months later, in July, violent Khalistani activists again targeted the Indian consulate in San Francisco, attempting to set it ablaze.
This incident did not cause damage to the diplomatic building's interior, but it marked the second time Khalistani activists targeted the SF consulate.
The incident was escalated to the highest levels of American national security and diplomacy in Washington D.C., prompting agencies to commence an immediate investigation and enhance security measures.
India has made it clear that it expects concrete actions rather than mere sympathy, seeking arrests of those involved in these attacks and proactive measures from US authorities to prevent any future incidents.
The local San Francisco police department, special diplomatic security agents, and state and federal authorities were alerted, leading to an investigation into the July incident.
The US condemned the incident, labeling it a "criminal offense".
EAM Jaishankar held a bilateral meeting with Marco Rubio following Donald Trump's swearing-in ceremony.
The two leaders also briefly discussed Bangladesh, but EAM Jaishankar refrained from providing further details, stating, "I don't think it's appropriate".
Additionally, EAM Jaishankar attended the inaugural Quad ministerial meeting of the new Trump administration on Tuesday and conducted his first bilateral meeting with Rubio shortly after.
He also expressed India's concerns regarding prolonged visa delays, indicating that these delays negatively affect business, tourism, and overall relations, noting that the relationship is not "well-served" when visa processing takes an excessive amount of time.
