Reflecting anger in the government, National Security Adviser Shivshankar Menon on Tuesday termed as "despicable" and "barbaric" the treatment meted out to India's Deputy Consul General Devyani Khobragade in New York.
"It is despicable and barbaric," Menon said while commenting on the arrest of Khobragade in New York on charges of violating visa rules.
The strong comments by the NSA came as Indian leaders, including Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi and Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde, refused to meet a US Congressional delegation as a mark of protest over the treatment meted out to 39-year-old Khobragade.
Menon himself did not meet the delegation on Monday.
Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar had also cancelled her meeting with the delegation on Monday.
