“We take strong objection to the remarks of the Spokesperson of the US State Department about certain legal proceedings in India.” MEA said in a statement.

India’s legal processes are based on an independent judiciary which is committed to objective and timely outcomes. Casting aspersions on that is unwarranted.

On Wednesday, India summoned the acting U.S. deputy chief of mission in New Delhi following a State Department comment on Monday.

“In diplomacy, states are expected to be respectful of the sovereignty and internal affairs of others. This responsibility is even more so in case of fellow democracies. It could otherwise end up setting unhealthy precedents,” it said.

India and the U.S. enjoy close ties and Washington has increasingly come to see New Delhi as an important partner in its effort to push back against China’s growing power worldwide.