Temporary aberrations in Indo-US ties: PM on diplomat's arrest

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today termed the arrest of Indian senior diplomat in New York as "temporary aberrations" in Indo-US strategic relationship and said diplomacy should be given chance to resolve the issue.

Appearing conciliatory over the arrest of India's Deputy Consul General Devyani Khobragade which has led to outrage in India, Singh said his government attaches "highest priority" to strengthen the strategic partnership between India and the US which has recently seen some "hiccups".

"Our government attaches highest priority to strengthen the strategic partnership between our two countries. There have been recently some hiccups but I sincerely believe that these are temporary aberrations and diplomacy should be given a chance to resolve the issues that have arisen," the Prime Minister said while addressing a press conference here.

Khobragade, the 39-year-old 1999 batch IFS officer, was arrested in New York on December 12 on charges of making false declarations in a visa application for her maid Sangeeta Richard and subjected to strip and cavity search, which had sparked outrage in India and resulted in government enforcing strict "reciprocity" and withdrawing extra privileges.

Replying to another question, Singh also described striking a nuclear deal with the US as one of his best moments in last 10 years of Prime Ministership.