The United States is investigating Congress President Rahul Gandhi's case in an Indian court, US State Department Deputy Spokesman Vedant Patel said on Monday (local time), adding that the United States supports the Indian government and commitment to democratic principles. . , including freedom of speech.

"Respect for the rule of law and independence of the judiciary are the cornerstones of democracy, and we are examining the case of Mr. Gandhi (Rahul Gandhi) in the Indian courts," he said during a press conference in - answer questions about the dismissal. of Rahul Gandhi from the Indian Parliament.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was expelled as a Lok Sabha member (MP) on Friday from the day he was convicted in a criminal defamation case for the "Modi surname" comment. Rahul Gandhi is a Member of Parliament from Wayanad constituency in Kerala.

"The US engages with the government of India on our shared commitment to democratic values, including of course freedom of expression in our engagements with our Indian partners," he added.

"We continue to highlight the importance of democratic principles and the protection of human rights including freedom of expression as a key to strengthening both our democracies," Vedant Patel said.

When asked if the United States was in contact with India or Rahul Gandhi, he replied, "I don't have any specific promises to read... but as I'm sure you know, some of the to do them has covered this section for some time. , it is appropriate and our principles to communicate with opposition groups in any country with which we have a common relationship, but I do not have any promises to read.

The development comes after a Surat court on Thursday sentenced Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to two years in jail in the 2019 "Modi's surname" defamation speech he made during a campaign rally in Karnataka.

Rahul Gandhi said "how come all thugs have Modi as their surname" in April 2019, during a Lok Sabha campaign in Kolar in Karnataka. BJP MLA for Surat West Purnesh Modi filed a criminal defamation case against Rahul Gandhi.