New Delhi (India) June 16: AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi, holding US President Donald Trump responsible for the killing of three Indian seafarers who lost their lives during a US strike off the Oman coast on Palau tanker MT Settebello, questioning the Centre's role and accusing Modi of "silence" amid loss of Indian lives.
Kejriwal Launches Attack on Centre and Trump
The AAP leader had in a video message and on his social media handle criticized Modi for praising Trump publicly at a time when concerns over the incident are being expressed, accusing him of not taking a strong stand to safeguard India's interests.
Kejriwal also called for holding the government accountable for the death of the sailors and said future Indian leaders would need to ensure no foreign country is able to take such actions against Indian citizens and go scot-free.
"Donald Trump, you will be held accountable for the Indian lives lost. You are a cowardly, cold-blooded murderer. It is unfortunate that PM Modi remains silent, but soon, India will have a strong Prime Minister who will make you pay for your misdeeds," he said in the post.
Jaishankar-Rubio Conversation Sparks Political Row
Kejriwal also alleged that the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio gave a threatening response to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's discussion with him over the US strike on the commercial vessel.
"When our Foreign Minister called their Secretary of State, Marco Rubio. America threatened us again. They didn't express regret over the deaths of three Indians; they didn't express sorrow that three Indians died. Instead, he threatened our country's Foreign Minister, saying that if America's orders aren't followed, we will have to face the consequences," Kejriwal said.
India Lodges Protest over US Strike
The criticism by Kejriwal comes a day after the Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday said three merchant ships manned by Indians were targeted by US forces off the coast of Oman during the last four days, resulting in the deaths of three Indian nationals. New Delhi registered a strong protest against the incident with Washington.