ET checklist on scaled-down concessions on privileges extended to American diplomats

India has been pressing ahead with the curbs on unilateral privileges extended to American diplomats while also attempting to find an early solution to the Devyani Khobargade tangle in the US. Once these entitlements are curtailed or stopped, the Americans will likely have the same privileges as their counterparts in other embassies. Here’s a checklist on the scaled-down concessions:

1. Special I-card exempting US Ambassador from frisking at Indian airports

Status: Withdrawn

2. I-card for families of US consular officials giving them a degree of immunity

Status: I-card for only consular officials, that too with fewer privileges.

3. Expanded quota for special passes to receive and see off guests at airports

Status: Even before Indo-US spat, the MEA had started curtailing the number of airport passes

4. Only American diplomats using old number plates on their cars

Status: Curbing the use of special number plates

5. Allowing spouses of US diplomats to teach in American schools without America reciprocating the gesture

Status: Details sought on Americans teaching here and their tax status
Why Special Privileges to American Diplomats
India opening up its markets in the early 1990s, boost to bilateral ties after the September 11, 2011 and former US President George W Bush signing the landmark civil-nuclear deal led to manifold increase in delegations from America and India acceding to US requests for special privileges. Besides, additional security was provided due to increased threat perception to Americans.



The Problem Area
Curiously, the external affairs ministry extended these special facilities without seeking reciprocity for Indian diplomats in the US much to the surprise of the other government departments. These departments have been repeatedly demanding curbs on the special privileges for the US diplomats.