Government downplays US envoy speech remark

India on Thursday downplayed US ambassador Richard Verma’s reported remarks on “free speech” in universities and colleges in the backdrop of the JNU row, and said there was no doubt there was freedom of expression in campuses across the country, while referring to the vigorous debates in Parliament

“Where is the doubt that we do not have diversity on our campuses or the free thought in India is curtailed in any way. Very vigorous debate that we have seen in Parliament itself is an example of diversity of thought and opinion in India,” MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup said.

He was asked about India’s position on Mr Verma’s recent remarks, made twice in as many days, that diversity of “thought and speech” was one of India’s great hallmarks which will “propel” it forward.

When asked about JNU row, Mr Verma was quoted by news agencies, as having said recently, “It will be hard to find a country more diverse than India. That is a great attribute of this country. It is what will propel India forward in the next century.”

That’s also a part of both of our democracies, particularly on college campuses and it is something both of our countries frankly have celebrated and welcomed.”