Amazon India apologizes to Sushma Swaraj for Indian Flag Doormat on Canada Website

In a letter to Sushma Swaraj, Vice President and Country Manager of Amazon India, Amit Agarwal, said, "I am writing in connection with the products that carried the Indian flag, as referred to in your tweet. Amazon India is committed to respecting Indian laws and customs. To the extent that these items offered by a third- party seller in Canada offended Indian sensibilities, Amazon regrets the same. At no time did we intend or mean to offend Indian sentiments."

https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/819559164057763845

The Amazon India head also said the company remains steadfastly committed to the country, as evident by CEO Jeff Bezos' announcement last year of company's plans to invest $5 billion in India.

"We value immensely our relationship with the Indian government, the country's entrepreneurs and innovators, an most importantly our Indian customers and employees," Amit Agarwal said.

Late Wednesday, after receiving a complaint about Amazon Canada selling Indian flag doormats on its platform, Sushma Swaraj reacted sharply and asked the Amazon to withdraw the products and tender an unconditional apology, failing which no official of Amazon will be granted Indian visa, and the ones issued earlier will also be rescinded.

Sushma Swaraj had also asked the Indian Embassy to take up the matter with Amazon Canada. After the strong protests, Amazon Canada removed the Indian flag doormat from its website.