evidence: Jaishankar on Tuesday strongly defended India’s right to respond to US political leaders’ comments about Indian democracy during an address at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington. In a pointed message, he said the US should not "feel bad" if India comments on their internal affairs in response. [...] However, he acknowledged the challenges posed by political changes in the region, especially in countries like Bangladesh, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. Recent political shifts, including Mohamed Muizzu's rise to power in the Maldives and leadership changes in Nepal and Sri Lanka, have presented new diplomatic challenges for India.