New Delhi, Aug 10: India today sought to downplay the US decision turning down its request to accord diplomatic status for New York-based B K Agnihotri, ambassador at large for Indians overseas saying this was known for some time and it was being dealt with.
Observing that he has seen reports to this effect, foreign secretary Kanwal Sibal told star news in an interview ''there is nothing new in the story. I was surprised to see it being broadcast this morning. We have known about this for some time and we are dealing with this.''
A Washington report had said the us state department has conveyed its rejection of the request made by the Indian embassy here to the chief of protocol.
A number of technical factors went against the grant of diplomatic status to Agnihotri. The state department has argued the US. Recognizes only one ambassador.

Bureau Report