India on US response to farm protests: ‘Red Fort violence evoked similar sentiments in India as Capitol Hill incident’

The US State Department has “acknowledged” steps being taken by India in the direction of agricultural reforms, the Ministry of External Affairs stated Thursday in its response to the previous’s response to farmer protests in India.  It additionally stated that any protest have to be seen within the “context of India’s democratic ethos and polity, and the ongoing efforts of the government and the concerned farmer groups to resolve the impasse”.
The MEA stated that India and the United States are each vibrant democracies with shared values. The incidents of violence, vandalism at Red Fort on Jan 26 have evoked comparable sentiments and reactions in India because the Capitol Hill incident, the ministry stated in its assertion.
On web restrictions on the protest websites alongside the border, the federal government stated that it was completed to stop additional violence. “The temporary measures with regard to internet access in certain parts of the NCR region were therefore understandably undertaken to prevent further violence,” it added.
The US administration underneath President Joseph Biden earlier right now stated that it “encouraged” variations between the events to be resolved “through dialogue”. Referring to web restrictions on the protest websites, the US administration stated that it recognises that “unhindered access to information, including the internet, is fundamental to the freedom of expression and a hallmark of a thriving democracy.”
The US embassy spokesperson in New Delhi stated, “We recognise that peaceful protests are a hallmark of any thriving democracy, and note that the Indian Supreme Court has stated the same. We encourage that any differences between the parties be resolved through dialogue. In general, the United States welcomes steps that would improve the efficiency of India’s markets and attract greater private sector investment.”
In a extremely uncommon transfer that has raised eyebrows, the federal government had on Wednesday slammed “celebrities and others” for his or her feedback in help of farmer protests, calling them “neither accurate nor responsible”.
The MEA had stated, “Before rushing to comment on such matters, we would urge that the facts be ascertained, and a proper understanding of the issues at hand be undertaken. The temptation of sensationalist social media hashtags and comments, especially when resorted to by celebrities and others, is neither accurate nor responsible.”
Defending the farm legal guidelines, the MEA, in its assertion, had given a full account of the method: “The Parliament of India, after a full debate and discussion, passed reformist legislation relating to the agricultural sector. These reforms give expanded market access and provide greater flexibility to farmers. They also pave the way for economically and ecologically sustainable farming.”
It stated “a very small section of farmers in parts of India has some reservations about these reforms”.