India issues sharp warning to New York Mayor Jorhan Mamdani over letter to Umar Khalid

New Delhi: India has strongly objected to a letter written by New York’s newly elected Mayor Jorhan Mamdani to former student leader Umar Khalid, who is currently lodged in jail in connection with the 2020 Delhi riots case. The letter, written before the Supreme Court delivered its verdict rejecting Khalid’s bail plea, has triggered political and diplomatic discussion, prompting a firm response from the Indian government.

Addressing the issue during a press briefing on Friday (January 9), Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal criticised Mamdani’s actions, terming them inappropriate interference in India’s internal affairs. Jaiswal stated that public representatives in democratic countries are expected to respect the independence and sovereignty of judicial systems in other democracies.

“We expect public representatives of other democratic nations to respect the autonomy of the judiciary. Those in positions of authority should refrain from expressing personal prejudices on matters that are sub judice. Instead of indulging in such statements, it would be better for them to focus on the responsibilities entrusted to them,” Jaiswal said, issuing a clear and stern message.

The controversy centres on a handwritten letter addressed to “Dear Umar” by Mamdani, expressing solidarity with Khalid, who has been in judicial custody under stringent laws related to the northeast Delhi riots. The letter surfaced after it was shared on social media platform X by Khalid’s friend Banojyotsana Lahiri, shortly after Mamdani assumed office as New York Mayor. Though undated, the contents of the letter have drawn sharp reactions in India.

In the letter, Mamdani reflected on Khalid’s prison writings, particularly his thoughts on bitterness and the importance of not allowing it to consume oneself. He also mentioned meeting Khalid’s parents and conveyed that many people were thinking about him. The tone of the letter portrayed Khalid as a victim of injustice, a narrative that Indian authorities have firmly rejected.

Mamdani has previously voiced opposition to Khalid’s arrest. In 2023, during protests against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States, Mamdani publicly read excerpts from Khalid’s jail diary, describing him as a persecuted scholar and former student leader. These actions had already attracted criticism from several quarters in India.

Reacting to the latest developments, Umar Khalid’s father, Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas, told the media that he met Mamdani on December 9 to thank him for reading excerpts from Khalid’s prison diary. He said the meeting lasted about 25 minutes and focused on Khalid’s incarceration and related issues.

Meanwhile, the legal proceedings against Umar Khalid continue to remain a focal point. Khalid and co-accused Sharjeel Imam had approached the Supreme Court challenging the Delhi High Court’s decision denying them bail. The apex court, however, rejected their pleas, stating that there was substantial material and evidence indicating their alleged role in the conspiracy linked to the 2020 northeast Delhi riots.

The Indian government’s sharp response signals its clear position that comments or actions by foreign political figures on sensitive domestic legal matters are unacceptable. Officials have reiterated that India’s judicial process must be allowed to function independently, free from external commentary or pressure.

Tags: Umar Khalid, Delhi riots 2020, Jorhan Mamdani, New York Mayor, Ministry of External Affairs, India foreign response, Supreme Court, bail rejected, international reaction