PUBLISHED: 01:30 GMT, 20 December 2013 | UPDATED: 01:30 GMT, 20 December 2013
The Indian government late on Thursday issued a letter to the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) cancelling all special privileges extended to US diplomats, consular staff and families at airports across the country.
The government is walking the talk on assertive action, ensuring that the relationship between India and the US is based strictly on reciprocity.
Devyani
The US Embassy in New Delhi had been issued with 11 special diplomatic cards that entitled them to special privileges at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi.
Four cards were permanent, including the ambassador and the deputy chief of the mission, while seven cards were transferable, to be used by US embassy staff.
These entitled them to receive special privileges such as parking, jumping the queue at immigration counters and access to VIP lounges.
"Indian consular staff have no such privileges in the US. This was a unilateral courtesy extended to US diplomats," a highly-placed source in the government told Mail Today.
New I-cards
Sources said new diplomatic identity cards have been ordered for US diplomats, consular staff and families.
These I-cards will specify the level of diplomatic immunity a US official can enjoy in India.
 

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"In the US, identity cards issued to diplomats and consular officers clearly specify the level of immunity the cardholder enjoys. In select cases, it clearly says no immunity from arrest. Similarly we will also issue identity cards to each individual based on the degree of immunity,'' a source said.
Charges: A sketch shows India's Deputy Consul General Devyani Khobragade sitting at her arraignment in Manhattan Federal Court in New York
Charges: A sketch shows India's Deputy Consul General Devyani Khobragade sitting at her arraignment in Manhattan Federal Court in New York
The Indian government will also review the status of those persons working at the American School, American Centre, and a number of other places who have diplomatic identity cards as a courtesy.
Clear directive
The government's directive is clear - no extension will be given to US diplomats and families to turn in their diplomatic identity cards by December 23.
"All identity cards will automatically stand null and void at 5pm on December 24. Fresh identity cards will be issued to the US embassy employees giving immunity on a case-to-case basis.
"So far, we were giving diplomatic immunity to all personnel, including consular and at times even those working in allied offices. But these privileges will be withdrawn on December 23,'' the source added.
Top level sources in the government insist that India is neither over-reacting nor being vindictive.
"The removal of the concrete barrier was not reducing security - only reciprocating US's move to deny Indian embassy in Washington, DC reserved parking space. We want the US to realise this time we mean business,'' said a top officer. 
 

What is the Bureau of Diplomatic Security? 

The Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS), whose agents apprehended Devyani Khobragade on December 12, is the security and law enforcement arm of the US Department of State. 
The Bureau, the State Department's website states, is responsible for providing a safe and secure environment for the conduct of US foreign policy. 
In the US, Diplomatic Security personnel protect the Secretary of State and high-ranking foreign dignitaries and officials visiting the United States, investigate passport and visa fraud, and conduct personnel security investigations.