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India cracks down on US embassy club in diplomatic row India cracks down on US embassy club in diplomatic row
(35 minutes later)
India has told the US to stop allowing non-diplomats to visit a social club at its Delhi embassy, in an escalation of a row over the arrest of an Indian diplomat in New York.India has told the US to stop allowing non-diplomats to visit a social club at its Delhi embassy, in an escalation of a row over the arrest of an Indian diplomat in New York.
Hundreds of expatriate Americans use the American Community Support Association club, which has a bar, swimming pool, restaurant and beauty parlour within the embassy premises. The club has been in existence for decades.Hundreds of expatriate Americans use the American Community Support Association club, which has a bar, swimming pool, restaurant and beauty parlour within the embassy premises. The club has been in existence for decades.
A government source told Reuters the embassy must cease all commercial activities benefiting non-diplomatic staff on its premises by 16 January.A government source told Reuters the embassy must cease all commercial activities benefiting non-diplomatic staff on its premises by 16 January.
Meanwhile, the Press Trust of India reported that India had informed the US that embassy cars would not be immune to penalties for traffic violationsMeanwhile, the Press Trust of India reported that India had informed the US that embassy cars would not be immune to penalties for traffic violations
India is furious at the arrest, handcuffing and strip-search of its deputy consul in New York, Devyani Khobragade, whom prosecutors accuse of underpaying her nanny and lying on a visa application. India is furious at the arrest, handcuffing and strip-searching of its deputy consul in New York, Devyani Khobragade, whom prosecutors accuse of underpaying her nanny and lying on a visa application.
The row has affected diplomatic relations, with one high-level visit postponed and a visit scheduled for next week by the US energy secretary, Ernest Moniz, now looking doubtful. The row has affected diplomatic relations, with one high-level visit postponed and a visit scheduled for next week by the US energy secretary, Ernest Moniz, looking doubtful.
Khobragade, who was arrested on 12 December, is due to appear in court next Monday.Khobragade, who was arrested on 12 December, is due to appear in court next Monday.
India says the social club's facilities operate tax-free because they are located in the embassy grounds.India says the social club's facilities operate tax-free because they are located in the embassy grounds.
"Basically the thing is that the provision of such facilities to non-diplomats and not paying taxes is clearly not in accordance with the Vienna convention," the government source said. "You can't have these facilities inside and not pay taxes and allow non-diplomats." "The provision of such facilities to non-diplomats and not paying taxes is clearly not in accordance with the Vienna convention," the government source said. "You can't have these facilities inside and not pay taxes and allow non-diplomats."
A US embassy spokesman was not immediately available for comment.A US embassy spokesman was not immediately available for comment.
India had already curtailed privileges offered to US diplomats to bring them in line with the treatment of Indian envoys to the US. Since December the US ambassador in Delhi can be subjected to airport frisking and most consular staff have reduced levels of immunity. India had already curtailed privileges offered to American diplomats to bring them in line with the treatment of Indian envoys to the US. Since December, the US ambassador in Delhi can be subjected to airport frisking and most consular staff have reduced levels of immunity.
Concrete barriers were removed from a road near the embassy last month, apparently in retaliation for the loss of a parking spot for the Indian ambassador in Washington.Concrete barriers were removed from a road near the embassy last month, apparently in retaliation for the loss of a parking spot for the Indian ambassador in Washington.
Known as the American Embassy club, the social centre is located on embassy grounds and along with the American Embassy School is the heart of Delhi life for the families of many expatriate employees of US corporations in India.Known as the American Embassy club, the social centre is located on embassy grounds and along with the American Embassy School is the heart of Delhi life for the families of many expatriate employees of US corporations in India.
India is also preparing to take steps against the embassy school, which it suspects may be employing some staff in violation of visa requirements, the government source said. India is also preparing to take steps against the embassy school, which it suspects may be employing staff in violation of visa requirements, the government source said.
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