Archive · 10 Jan 2026
India Criticizes NYC Mayor Mamdani's Letter to Jailed Activist
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India criticized the newly elected Mayor of New York City, Zohran Mamdani, for sending a personal letter to Umar Khalid, a jailed activist.
In his letter, Mamdani mentioned thinking about Khalid's thoughts on bitterness and said it was a pleasure to meet Khalid's parents.
The MEA stated that expressing personal prejudices is not suitable for someone in a public office and that elected representatives must respect the independence of the judiciary in other democratic countries.
The letter was sent in December 2025 when Mamdani met Khalid's parents during their visit to the United States.
Umar Khalid was denied bail in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case.
MEA criticized NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani for sending a personal letter to jailed activist Umar Khalid.
Mamdani's letter referenced Khalid's thoughts on bitterness and mentioned meeting his parents.
MEA stated that expressing personal prejudices is inappropriate for those in office and to respect the independence of the judiciary in other democracies.
The letter was sent in December 2025 when Mamdani met Khalid's parents during their visit to the United States.
Umar Khalid was denied bail in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case.
- Who
- Zohran Mamdani (NYC Mayor), Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Umar Khalid (jailed activist)
- What
- MEA criticized Mamdani for sending a personal letter to jailed activist Umar Khalid
- When
- The letter was sent in December 2025, MEA's reaction on Friday
- Where
- New York City, USA and India
- Why
- MEA believes expressing personal prejudices is inappropriate for those in office and to respect the independence of the judiciary in other democracies
- Person Involved
- Zohran Mamdani (NYC Mayor), Umar Khalid (jailed activist), Banojyotsna Lahiri (Khalid's friend)
- Organization Involved
- Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)
- Action
- MEA criticized Mamdani's letter to Khalid
- Content of Letter
- Mamdani referenced Khalid's thoughts on bitterness and mentioned meeting his parents
- MEA's Stance
- Expressing personal prejudices is inappropriate for those in office
- Legal Context
- Umar Khalid denied bail in 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case
Sources
MEA slams New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani for note to jailed Umar Khalid: ‘Personal prejudices’
‘Respect judicial independence’: MEA reacts to Zohran Mamdani’s note to Umar Khalid
'Better To Focus On Own Responsibilities': India Slams New York Mayor Mamdani Over His Letter To Jailed Activist Umar Khalid
'Focus On Your Responsibilities': India Slams Mamdani's Note For Umar Khalid
‘Expressing personal prejudices does not…’: India hits back at New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani over letter to Umar Khalid
Mamdani letter for Umar Khalid to ICE shooting, Delhi takes jabs at US amid trade-deal tussle
Delhi tells off Zohran Mamdani over letter to jailed rights activist Umar Khalid - Telegraph India
'Respect Independence...Focus On Own Responsibilities': MEA Schools NYC Mayor Mamdani Over Umar Khalid Note
