Washington: The United States has seen reports about the alleged ties of an Indian media outlet, which was raided by officials a day earlier, with China but cannot comment on the veracity of the claims, an official said. We have seen reports about this outlet's ties to the People's Republic of China, "but we can't comment yet on the veracity of those claims", State Department Spokesperson Vedant Patel told reporters at a news conference here.
Separately, of course though, the US government strongly supports the robust role of the media globally, including social media, in a vibrant and free democracy, he said. We raise concerns on these matters with the Indian government, and with countries around the world, through our diplomatic engagements that are at the core of our bilateral relationship.
We have urged the Indian government and have done so not just with India, but other countries as well, about the importance of respecting the human rights of journalists, including freedom of expression both online and offline, he said. I don't have additional information though, about this particular circumstance or any of the underlying issues that may or may not be related to this outlet, however, Patel added.