US stays out of India’s domestic politics, Secretary Rubio dismisses criticism from UN experts

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has described the protests in Delhi as an internal Indian matter, saying Washington would not interfere in the country’s domestic political debates.

Speaking about the demonstrations, Rubio said India was a democracy in which people could express differing opinions and participate in elections. He indicated that decisions concerning the country’s internal affairs should be left to its citizens.

Rubio also drew a distinction between peaceful demonstrations and violent unrest. Referring to protests in different parts of the world, he said public expression was a feature of political discourse, while acts involving destruction and vandalism were a separate issue.

His remarks came after more than 20 United Nations human rights experts in Geneva raised concerns about the police response to youth-led demonstrations in the national capital. The experts had criticised what they described as repeated excessive force against peaceful protesters.

Rubio appeared dismissive of the criticism from the UN experts, referring to the term in a manner that suggested a contradiction. He nevertheless maintained that he did not intend to comment on India’s domestic political affairs.

The remarks highlight Washington’s stated preference to avoid taking a public position on the handling of the protests, even as international human rights representatives voice concerns about the authorities’ response.