India turns down Edward Snowden's asylum request

India today said it had declined the asylum request of fugitive former CIA agent Edward Snowden who blew the whistle on US data mining.

"I can confirm that earlier today our embassy in Moscow did receive a communication dated June 30 from Mr Edward Snowden. That communication did contain a request for asylum," said India's external affairs ministry spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin.

Edward Snowden, who is wanted in the US on spying charges. Pics/AFP

"We have carefully examined the request. Following that examination, we have concluded that we see no reason to accede to the request," he said.

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