Amazon, the e-retailer company, has got into trouble many times for allowing sale of products that hurt religious or national sentiments. But this time the company seems to have offended none other than External Affairs minister Sushma Swaraj.
Replying to a tweet in which a Twitter user informed her about Amazon Canada selling doormats with Indian flag designs on it, Sushma Swaraj said, "Indian High Commission in Canada : This is unacceptable. Please take this up with Amazon at the highest level."
But Swaraj did not stop at that. She warned Amazon that if the company did not immediately withdraw all the products and tender an unconditional apology, she would take action.
"Amazon must tender unconditional apology. They must withdraw all products insulting our national flag immediately. If this is not done forthwith, we will not grant Indian Visa to any Amazon official. We will also rescind the Visas issued earlier," she said.
Amazon must tender unconditional apology. They must withdraw all products insulting our national flag immediately. /1
— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) January 11, 2017
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
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
Many praised the minister for her warning:
@SushmaSwaraj @atulbhobe let's stop buying @amazonIN products till they remove these highly offensive products.
— Kishore Sonecha (@kishoresonecha) January 11, 2017
@SushmaSwaraj Thanks a lot Ma'am! The Indian flag and Hindu Gods both were insulted by Amazon.
— Sneha_K (愛情) (@homi_2) January 11, 2017
One Twitter user pointed out that the mats were being produced in China.
Hmm. It's being shipped from China. Not particularly surprising. @amazonca, this is ridiculous. Take this product down! @SushmaSwaraj pic.twitter.com/ORpaeT5GpA
— Arun (@asiddh) January 11, 2017
The mats sold for 36 Canadian dollars had various prints of the Indian flag on it.
Though an overwhelming number of people welcomed the move, others criticised the minister.
@SushmaSwaraj why shld India interfere with this?Just sell Canadian flag floor mats.Wht action does GoI take whn flag is burned in India?
— Skepticalindian (@indicvedic) January 11, 2017
@SushmaSwaraj here's a solution: if you're offended,don't buy. Didn't ur citizens beat Muslims for eating beef a few weeks ago?
— Almir (@ALBosnien) January 11, 2017