A day after slippers with Mahatma Gandhi’s image surfaced on Amazon’s United States of America website, Department of Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das, asked the e-commerce group to desist from being Rsflippant’ about Indian symbols and icons. Das also cautioned Amazon against indifference.
The DEA Secretary’s warning came shortly after Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) took up the matter with Amazon in Washington. On Saturday, MEA Spokeprson Vikas Swarup said that Indian Ambassador in Washington was asked to convey to Amazon that while providing a platform for third party vendors, they should respect Indian sensitivities and sentiments.
The information about Gandhi slippers were given by a person on Twitter who tagged External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.
While Amazon US has withdrawn the product after outrage there are several other items still available on the website that can hurt Indian sensitivities. A casual search on Amazon US website threw up results like -- Indian National Flag Pet ID tag for dogs and cats, Indian Flag Team logo Women’s Fashion Bikini Set Beach Wear, Indian flag towels, Indian Flag sneaker shoelace decorator etc. Amazon India had recently expressed regret over doormats having Indian flag on its website.