India has asked the United States to return all identity cards issued to its consular officers posted in the country. Official sources today said, the move follows maltreatment of Deputy Indian Consul General Devyani Khobragade in New York over visa fraud charges.

Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde today cancelled his meeting with a US Congressional delegation to protest against the treatment meted out to Khobragade who was arrested and handcuffed. However, Home Ministry officials said, Mr Shinde is unable to meet the delegation as he is busy in Parliament.

External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid today said, India has taken very seriously, the treatment meted out to its Deputy Consul General. Mr Khurshid said, New Delhi has adequately conveyed its sense to the US on the matter. The External Affairs Minister added that whatever is needed, is being done.

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi has also refused to meet the US delegation, protesting ill-treatment meted to Devyani Khobragade in New York. In a tweet, Modi said, this is to show solidarity with the nation.

Our Correspondent reports, Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar had yesterday cancelled her meeting with the visiting delegation as she felt it was not appropriate to meet them after US authorites had mistreated Khobragade. National Security Advisor Shiv Shankar Menon, who also had a scheduled meeting with the five-member delegation, did not meet them, apparently for the same reason.