Upset over Trudeau's support to farmers, India retorts sharply
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In this file photo taken on March 19, 2020, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks during a news conference on COVID-19 situation in Canada from his residence in Ottawa.
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New Delhi: Displeased over Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's support to the protesting farmers, India did not hesitate to engage in a diplomatic spat against the North American country.
"We have seen some ill-informed comments by Canadian leaders relating to farmers in India. Such comments are unwarranted, especially when pertaining to the internal affairs of a democratic country," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said in the government's response to Mr Trudeau's statements.
"It is also best that diplomatic conversations are not misrepresented for political purposes," India said in the restrained response.
Addressing the Indian community in Canada during an online event on Monday to mark the 551st birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, Trudeau said that Canada will always be there to defend the right of peaceful protest.
"I would be remiss if I didn't start also by recognising the news coming out of India about the protest by farmers. The situation is concerning and we're all very worried about family and friends," Trudeau said during the Facebook video interaction.
"I know that's a reality for many of you. Let me remind you, Canada will always be there to defend the right of peaceful protest. We believe in the importance of dialogue and that's why we've reached out through multiple means directly to the Indian authorities to highlight our concerns," he added.
The farmers are protesting against the three law – Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020; Farmers Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020 and The Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act 2020 – that came into force on September 27 after President Ram Nath Kovind's assent.
Farmers and traders apprehend that the government intends to withdraw the minimum support price regime in the name of reforms. There is fear among the agrarian community that the laws will make them to vulnerable to the greedy corporate powers. However the government maintains that the laws will bring farmers better opportunities and usher in new technologies in agriculture.