India Rebukes NYC Mayor Over Umar Khalid Note

MEA says public officials must respect judicial independence

January 10, 2026: India on Friday responded sharply to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani after he expressed solidarity with jailed activist Umar Khalid. The Ministry of External Affairs said public representatives must respect the independence of the judiciary in other democratic countries and avoid expressing personal prejudices.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said such gestures were inappropriate for those holding public office and advised elected leaders to focus on their official responsibilities instead. His remarks came after Mamdani handed a handwritten note to Khalid’s parents in December, highlighting the activist’s continued incarceration.

Umar Khalid has been in jail since September 2020 under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act for his alleged role in the northeast Delhi violence of February 2020. Earlier this week, the Supreme Court denied bail to Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, extending their detention.