Ajit Singh sings the slam-US tune

NEW DELHI: Indian aviation authorities — long upset at the lack of reciprocity in privileges given to US diplomats here and denied to desi diplomats in the US — have made their displeasure known to Uncle Sam.
The US Trade Development Authority had organized a farewell dinner for outgoing aviation secretary KN Shrivastava and DG, civil aviation, Arun Mishra on Tuesday at the US embassy club here.Both stayed away.
Aviation minister Ajit Singh too expressed displeasure over the treatment handed down to Devyani Khobragade. “It is for MEA to decide on steps to be taken. I am working for reciprocity in treatment at airports. Indian dignitaries have to pay to use airport lounges in the US and other countries like France. In India lounge access to diplomats is free. This is being relooked,” Singh said.
He has sought re-examination of the entire array of privileges at airports — like airport passes to allow embassy staffers to receive dignitaries in both countries, lounge access and security checks.