No demarche issued to US but talks over safety of Indians on: Baglay

NEWDELHI: India on Tuesday said the government is engaging with US authorities on the issue of safety of Indians in that country and denied reports that a demarche was issued to the state department over the killing of an Indian engineer in Kansas.

“It is important to note that the US authorities are engaged with us on the larger concern regarding safety of Indians in the US, a matter which continues to receive the government’s top priority,” external affairs ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay said.

He said the US government and senior authorities in Kansas have proactively responded to the unfortunate death of Srinivas Kuchibhotla, and also drew attention to the strong condemnation of the tragic shooting by the US embassy here last week.

Further, the US Charge d’Affaires had stated that her country welcomes people from across the world and the US authorities will investigate thoroughly and prosecute the case, he noted. The foreign secretary is in the US from Tuesday to hold discussions with US officials.

“This approach is reflected in the sentiments and assurances from senior-most authorities of Kansas, who have reached out to the Indian Consul General in Houston. These developments obviated the need for a demarche by the government on this matter,” Baglay said. The spokesperson was reacting to a query on the media report that the embassy of India in Washington had issued a demarche to the US state department.

Baglay also said, “We also must not forget the noble and courageous gesture of the young American Ian Grillot, who risked his life while countering the shooter.” HTC