The US State Department has made it clear that Indian Deputy Counsel General Devyani Khobragade does not enjoy immunity from US laws. A state department spokesperson has said that the Vienna convention allows for immunity only with respect to acts performed in the exercise of consular functions. The statement comes hours after India summoned US Ambassador Nancy Powell and expressed shock over the arrest of Devyani for alleged visa fraud and under-payment of wages to her domestic help.
The US State Department said, "Under the Vienna convention on consular relations, the Indian Deputy Consul General enjoys immunity from the jurisdiction of US courts only with respect to acts performed in the exercise of consular functions."