India not a "banana republic": Kamal Nath

The US and other countries should recognize the dignity and respect of other countries, says Nath

Union Minister Kamal Nath today said India cannot be treated as a "banana republic" and that US should tender an unconditional apology over the arrest and strip searching of Indian Deputy Consul General Devyani Khobragade in New York.

Stating that he appreciated the raft of retaliatory measures taken by the Ministry of External Affairs in the aftermath of the incident, Nath said the US should step out of the mindset that there are still "banana republics in the world"

"The US and other countries should recognize the dignity and respect of other countries. They cannot deal with other countries in such a manner," the Parliamentary Affairs Minister said, as political parties closed ranks to condemn the US police action.

"The incident with the Indian diplomat is not just merely unfortunate. Calling it unfortunate will be putting it mildly. The incident should be condemned," Nath said.

Nath said he thought more such steps like the measures announced should follow until the US issues an unconditional apology on the matter.

"The US needs to be awakened, that this is a changed world. I think India should give a lead to other countries to get this home to the US. There is a need for paradigm shift and reciprocity while dealing with other countries," Nath added.