U.S. diplomat tells Indian school children train journey made her look 'dirty and dark' like them

U.S. apologises after diplomat tells Indian school children train journey made her look 'dirty and dark' like them By John Stevens

The U.S. has apologised after a diplomat told Indian school children that she looked like them when her 'skin became dirty and dark' after a long train journey.

During a speech in the Tamil Nadu capital, Chennai, Chao, on Friday, U.S. Vice-Consul Maureen Chao told students: 'I was on a 24-hour train trip from Delhi to [the eastern Indian state of] Orissa.

'But, after 72 hours, the train still did not reach the destination... and my skin became dirty and dark like the Tamilians.'

Following the remarks, the U.S. Consulate in Chennai issued a 'statement of apology'.

'During the speech Ms Chao made an inappropriate comment,' the U.S. Consulate posted on its website.

'Ms Chao deeply regrets if her unfortunate remarks offended anyone, as that was certainly not her intent.'

The consulate said that the diplomat had been describing, 'positive memories from her own study experiences in India 23 years ago.'

'As U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton recently noted, the U.S.-India partnership is based on our shared values of democracy, liberty, and respect for religious and cultural diversity," the U.S. consulate added.

But chief minister of Tamil Nadu, Jayalalitha, who goes by one name, said: 'This remark which smacks of racism is highly condemnable.

'You will agree that this remark of the vice-consul is an affront to all Tamils,' he said.

The Communist Party of India demanded the withdrawal of Chao for her 'racist' comments.

'The remarks show the racist nature of the official even during Barack Obama's presidency. This cannot be tolerated,' party national secretary D Raja said.