Indian envoy to Mauritius criticised of being ‘too much’ involved in internal politics

Indian High Commissioner to Mauritius Nandini Singla has come under fire for her alleged overwhelming involvement in the country’s internal affairs.

The matter – which is increasingly being denounced in closed circles – has taken a new turn after the President of the Association for the Protection of the Environment and Consumers (APEC) publicly criticised the Indian envoy. 

“This High Commissioner, who speaks several languages, including French, is beginning to annoy some people. She seems to be everywhere, even during national celebrations,” said APEC President Suttyhudeo Tengur in an open letter written in French titled “Too much Madam” published in l’Express and Defi Media.

“During the National Day celebrations, the Indian High Commissioner was photographed with women parliamentarians and ministers’ wives. She has the right to have special relations with these ladies, but as a diplomat she has to ensure that she behaves as such. She represents India and cannot be a close associate of power. She has to be careful about what she says and be careful about how close she is to the government,” Tengur deplored.

The latter acclaimed other diplomats for showing more circumspection and restraint.

The Open letter comes a day after l’Express highlighted the omnipresence of High Commissioner Singla “in every event where ministers, particular the Prime Minister, are present.”

Editor Touria Prayag criticised that Mrs Singla has “started taking position more and more clearly in favour of the government in place.

“Mrs Singla’s overgenerous praise of the prime minister is not exactly diplomatic nor – I dare say – is it even appropriate,” she wrote in an editorial published on 16 March.

“Her Excellency, mingling within the circles of power only, may be forgiven for not feeling the anger that is seething within a large swathe of the population against a government that has made a mockery of the principles of democracy, transparency and accountability, starting with the case of Agalega. I don’t think she is aware of the cauldron of resentment being currently felt against anyone who may give the impression that they may stand in the way of our free choice to elect the people we want to lead this country. I don’t, therefore, think it is wise for the high commissioner to turn the knife in that raw wound,” she said.

Sources: Defi Media, l’Express