TORONTO — Amazon has apologized to India's foreign minister for selling doormats depicting the Indian flag on the online shopping giant's Canadian website.
The head of the retailer in India sent the apology to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday, according to a tweet by a ministry spokesperson.
The statement, which was posted on Twitter under the verified account of spokesperson Vikas Swarup, said Amazon is committed to respecting the laws and customs in India.
If this is not done forthwith, we will not grant Indian Visa to any Amazon official. We will also rescind the Visas issued earlier.
— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) January 11, 2017
In India, insulting the national flag is punishable with fines and imprisonment.
Amit Agarwal, vice-president and country manager of Amazon India, said in a statement the company "regrets" the sale of the offending items, noting that they were offered by a third-party seller in Canada.
Indian High Commission in Canada : This is unacceptable. Please take this up with Amazon at the highest level. https://t.co/L4yI3gLk3h
— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) January 11, 2017
"At no time did we intend or mean to offend Indian sentiments," Agarwal said.
Minister Swaraj had lashed out on Tuesday at Amazon on Twitter, threatening to deny Indian visas to any Amazon employees if the company did not apologize and "withdraw all products insulting our national flag immediately."
"If this is not done forthwith, we will not grant an Indian visa to any Amazon official. We will also rescind the visas issued earlier," Swaraj tweeted.
Amazon must tender unconditional apology. They must withdraw all products insulting our national flag immediately. /1
— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) January 11, 2017
"At not time did we intend or mean to offend Indian sentiments," it said.
The Canadian third-party seller — which also sells mats with other national flags, including the U.S., U.K. and Canada — removed the Indian-themed product, following Swaraj's Twitter threat.
Swaraj had also ordered the embassy in Canada to take up the matter with Amazon "at the highest level."
Arun Kumar Sahu, acting High Commissioner of India to Canada, said the situation has now been resolved.
When asked if the embassy will pursue any further action, Sahu said from Ottawa there wouldn't be anything to follow. "At least I don't have any instructions on this," he added.
The doormats had outraged many people among the Indian diaspora in Canada, who posted pictures of them on social media and urged the foreign minister to formally object.
Last year, there were protests after the online marketplace offered doormats depicting Hindu gods.
A spokesperson for Amazon Canada declined to provide any additional comment.
MORE National ARTICLES
Parents Of Canadian Man Held Hostage In Afghanistan Speak Out About New Video
Canadian Joshua Boyle and his American wife, Caitlan Coleman, were kidnapped in 2012 while backpacking in northern Afghanistan.
Parents Of Canadian Man Held Hostage In Afghanistan Speak Out About New Video
Stranded Crew Receives Load Of Christmas Cheer That Includes Pig, Tree, Presents
SATURNA ISLAND, B.C. — The stranded crew of an empty container ship tied up in an international bankruptcy issue received a shipment of donated holiday cheer Tuesday, including a Christmas tree, a 20-kilogram pig and 90 kilograms of barbecue coals.
Stranded Crew Receives Load Of Christmas Cheer That Includes Pig, Tree, Presents
Osoyoos, B.C. Constable Amit Goyal Cleared Of Disgraceful Conduct Allegations
Goyal was serving in Osoyoos, B.C., when he was accused of five allegations under the RCMP Act, including making false or misleading statements to a member of a superior rank.
Osoyoos, B.C. Constable Amit Goyal Cleared Of Disgraceful Conduct Allegations
Hockey Stick Assist Credited For Helping Save Bald Eagle Near Revelstoke, B.C.
KAMLOOPS, B.C. — An injured eagle that was coaxed to safety in southeastern British Columbia with the help of a hockey stick and a chunk of salmon appears to be on the mend.
Hockey Stick Assist Credited For Helping Save Bald Eagle Near Revelstoke, B.C.
No Arrests After Suspected Targeted Shooting In Vancouver Injures Woman
VANCOUVER — An apparently targeted shooting has seriously injured a 42-year-old woman in Vancouver.
No Arrests After Suspected Targeted Shooting In Vancouver Injures Woman
Christy Clark Dons Hard Hat In Quest For 5th Liberal Mandate, Hammers Out Jobs Platform
British Columbia Premier Christy Clark never seems to miss the chance to put on a hard hat and pose with workers for what has become the trademark photo opportunity of her government.