India vs Singapore after PM Loong cites criminal cases against MPs in 'Nehru's India'

A diplomatic face-off erupted between India and Singapore after the latter's Prime Minister raised the issue of Indian parliamentarians facing criminal cases.

In a speech in the Singapore parliament on how democracies should function, PM Lee Hsien Loong invoked "Ben-Gurion's Israel, and Jawaharlal Nehru's India".

Loong was making the point that many democracies start off with high ideals, but gradually decline. He cited corruption cases against top Israel officials, and criminal cases against Indian legislators. The Prime Minister warned that nothing was stopping Singapore from going down the same path.

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"Things start off with passionate intensity. The leaders, who fought for and won independence, are often exceptional individuals of great courage, immense culture, and outstanding ability. They came through the crucible of fire and emerged as leaders of men and nations. They are the David Ben-Gurions, the Jawaharlal Nehrus, and we have our own too," Loong said.

The Singapore PM added, "Nehru's India has become one where, according to media reports, almost half the MPs in the Lok Sabha have criminal charges pending against them, including charges of rape and murder. Though it is also said that many of these allegations are politically motivated."

Indian officials called the comments "uncalled for", and Singapore High Commissioner to India, Simon Wong, was summoned by the Indian government to register its objection, as per an NDTV report.