Have high regard for Hardeep Puri, Meera Shankar: US Ambassador

U.S. Ambassador to India Timothy J. Roemer on Wednesday said he regrets ?inconvenience? faced by Indian diplomats Meera Shankar and Hardeep Puri in the hands of US airport authorities.

Roemer met representatives of the Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal), a collection of Sikh political parties, over the frisking issue at the US Embassy here on Wednesday.

The Ambassador noted the party?s concerns and reiterated on behalf of the U.S. government his highest esteem for ?India?s talented diplomatic community?.

?I have high regard and deep respect for Ambassadors Hardeep Puri and Meera Shankar and the tremendous work that they are both doing in support of U.S.-India relations. I regret any inconvenience that may have resulted for either Ambassador as a result of recent incidents,? said Roemer.

?I reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to provide thorough and respectful screening while ensuring that we effectively fulfill our security mission for all passengers. The United States strives to balance our respect for all religions and cultures with our need to ensure the security of all travelers.?

?We welcome dialogue and look forward to working with all political parties in India to advance our historic indispensable partnership, ? the US Ambassador said.

On Dec 4, Indian Ambassador to US Meera Shankar was pulled out of a security line and patted down by a security official at Jackson airport in Mississippi for a screening despite she had passed through the metal frame without setting off an alarm.

The diplomat, who was traveling from Mississippi to Baltimore in Maryland, was then frisked, though she revealed her status.

India?s permanent representative to the UN Hardeep Puri was held at a Texas airport for more than 30 minutes and his turban forcibly searched, reports said on Dec 13. The incident came despite the airport authorities being told of Puri?s diplomatic status.