India’s foreign minister threatened to withhold visas for Amazon workers because the e-commerce site was selling doormats which featured the Indian flag.
Sushma Swaraj took to Twitter to threaten to take the drastic action against the US firm.
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
This heavy-handed tactic proved to be effective - Amazon has removed the product.
Ms Swaraj's active Twitter account often command headlines in India - according to Bloomberg - as she personally responds to Indians have passport problems and encounter other issues related to the country's foreign ministry. She has more than 7 million followers.
A spokesperson from Amazon confirmed that the product had been pulled.
If you are in the market for a new doormat - this design featuring the Irish tricolour is available on Amazon.co.uk.
Amazon has invested heavily in the growing India market - where it faces stiff competition from local competitors.
In response to EAM @SushmaSwaraj's tweet, @amazon writes to her, expresses regret at hurting Indian sensibilities, pulls offending item pic.twitter.com/tqRcA10CaZ
— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) January 12, 2017
Vikas Swarup, the official spokesperson for Ministry of External Affairs, tweeted the above image of a letter from the company apologising for the offense caused by the item.
It said that it is committed to respecting "Indian laws and customs."
