External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj lashed out on online retail giant Amazon for selling doormats with Indian national flag printed on them.

One Twitter user brought this to Swaraj’s attention and asked the minister to take actions against the company.

@SushmaSwaraj Madam. Amazon Canada must be censured and warned not to sell India flag doormats. Please take action. pic.twitter.com/td4KXlDUQL

— Atul Bhobe (@atulbhobe) January 11, 2017

The External Affairs Minister demanded an uncondional apology from Amazon along with the assurance that all such products will be taken down from its website.

Amazon must tender unconditional apology. They must withdraw all products insulting our national flag immediately. /1

— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) January 11, 2017

Usually calm and composed Sushma Swaraj adopted an aggressive gesture and went on to warn Amazon Canada that she will see to it that the company officials are not granted visas and also added that New Delhi will even rescind visas issued earlier.

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

She also tweeted the Indian embassy in Canada directing them to take the matter with “highest level” authorities.

Indian High Commission in Canada : This is unacceptable. Please take this up with Amazon at the highest level. https://t.co/L4yI3gLk3h

— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) January 11, 2017

The manufacturer of the product has several designs available , which are also listed in Amazon site. The ad describes it as “personalized durable machine-washable indoor/outdoor door mat with durable heat-resistant non-woven fabric top, sized in 23.6″(L) x 15.7″(W). Dry wet feet, grab dirt, dust and grime”.

The comments section under the product is filled with one star rating and disgust from angry Indians.

A simple search on the website reveals that flags of various countries including the US, Canada and Pakistan are all available as designs on doormats.

Some of the comments read:

“A lot of people have lost their lives fighting for my country’s flag. There are other countries flags that are also used as a doormat and I’m surprised to see no one reacting to that. I’m proud Indian and this is an insult to my country and all the soldiers that fight for my country. Please don’t be ignorant. Take it down ASAP!”

“Amazon should respect all national flags. National flags are not meant to be under foot or to be put on doormats. Astonishing to see such an approach. I appeal to reject such marketing acts.”

The matter had already drawn a flak from the Indian community abroad even before it was brought into the notice of Sushma Swaraj. A petition on change.org, terming the product as a “clear insult to more than 1.25 billion Indians living across the world”, is already up with over 2,800 supporters on it at the time of writing this report. The petition claims that a similar product was also available on amazon.com, which was taken down after the outrage started. However, amazon.ca still has the product listed.

Featured image courtesy: mizonews.net