The MEA's Hyper-Sensitive Rebuttals to Foreign Criticism Hurt Its Own Credibility by Krishnan Srinivasan (former foreign secretary) https://thewire.in/diplomacy/foreign-criticism-mea-singapore-pm
Insulting a friendly neighbour or well-intentioned interlocutor for the sake of public plaudits is too high a price for the country to pay. (perhaps it was the ongoing elections that was the price-Ed))
The Ministry of External Affairs of the Government of India has dismissed the United States presidential advisor on religious freedom Rashad Hussain’s comment that religious freedom includes the ability to choose one’s religious attire. The MEA claimed that the matter is sub judice, and that Hussain’s remarks arose out of ignorance of India’s constitutional mechanisms and institutions.
A similar remonstration on this issue of hijabs in schools was also conveyed formally to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. A rebuttal on the similar lines was earlier given to the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom that had recommended for some years that India be designated a country ‘of particular concern’. At that time, India dismissed such advice as “biased and tendentious”.
The Indian government shows little patience for the views of domestic NGOs or concern for the viability of foreign NGOs in India, be it well reputed organisations like Oxfam and Amnesty International or lesser known bodies. It should not then be taken aback by the downgrade assessments of such as the United States Country Report on human rights practices, the World Press Freedom Index, Freedom House, V-Dem Institute, Open Doors World Watch List and a host of other such vigilant groups. Commercial companies also attracted India’s official ire, with a tweet by Hyundai on Kashmir leading to representations at an inter-governmental level.