India expels US diplomat after Devyani Khobragade's indictment

India refused and transferred her back to New Delhi before she could be declared persona non grata and detained by local authorities.

The external affairs ministry said Khobragade was accorded Jan 8 the privileges and immunities of a diplomatic envoy.

"At the same time, the US government requested the government of India to waive (her) immunity.

"On Jan 9, India declined to do so and transferred Khobragade to the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi."

In a statement after the grand jury hearing, her lawyer Daniel Arshack said Khobragade "is pleased to be returning to her country.

"Her head is held high. She knows she has done no wrong and she looks forward to assuring that the truth is known".

Her father Uttam Khobragade thanked the Indian government for his daughter's return.
"It is only because of the entire Indian government's effort, my daughter is returning to India with full diplomatic immunity," he said.

Khobragade reiterated her innocence. "She also affirmed her determination to ensure that the episode would not leave a lasting impact on her family, in particular, her children, who are still in the US," her statement said. Khobragade's husband is a US national.