Farmers protest: Trudeau refuses to relent despite India's resentment

New Delhi: Despite India's berating over his comments backing protesting Indian farmers, Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reaffirmed his statements on Friday.

India had summoned Canada's high commissioner Nadir Patel at the foreign ministry in New Delhi on Friday. A demarche in this regard was handed over to the high commissioner and conveyed that the comments from the leadership and other members of the Canadian government on the protests is "unacceptable interference".

Asked about the diplomatic censuring, Trudeau on Friday rejected the move and said, "Canada will always stand up for the right of peaceful protest anywhere around the world. And we're pleased to see moves towards de-escalation and dialogue."

In a video town hall meeting with Canadian Sikh community to celebrate the festival of Guru Nanak Dev Ji Gurupurab, on Monday, Trudeau had said that he wanted to recognize "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. I know that's a reality for many of you."

The prime minister went on to say that "Canada will always be there to defend the right of peaceful protest."

The comments, as expected, did not go well with the Indian authorities who condemned the statements and said the Canadian leaders are "ill-informed."

Meanwhile the farmers' protest has echoed sentiments among the Indo-Canadian community. Various cities in the north American country are witnessing drive in protests and gathering by Indian community members against the police action on the farmers near Delhi.

Several such vehicle rallies are planned during the weekend in multiple cities in Canada, according to reports.