India calls Trudeau’s remarks on farmers’ protest ill-informed

India on Tuesday reacted sharply to the “ill-informed” comments by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on farmers’ protests in India and said the remarks are “unwarranted” especially when pertaining to internal affairs of a democratic country.

In a statement, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said it is also best that diplomatic conversations are not misrepresented for political purposes.

Srivastava’s remarks come after Trudeau expressed concern about the ongoing farmers’ protest in India against three farm laws and said Ottawa has reached out to the Indian authorities to highlight the same.

Speaking during a Facebook video interaction organised by Canadian MP Bardish Chagger to mark Gurupurab or the 551st birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, Trudeau on Monday (local time) said Canada will always be there to defend the right of peaceful protest.

In response to a media query on comments by Canadian leaders relating to farmers in India, Srivastava said: “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. It is also best that diplomatic conversations are not misrepresented for political purposes.”

Trudeau is the first world leader to comment on the farmers’ protests in India. “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. Let me remind you, Canada will always be there to defend the rights of peaceful protest,” Trudeau said at an online event to mark the 551st birth anniversary of Guru Nanak. He also tweeted a video of his complete address at the event.

“We believe in the importance of dialogue and that’s why, we’ve reached out to multiple means, directly to the India authorities to highlight our concerns. This is a moment for all of us to pull together,” Trudeau added.

Farmers are protesting in Delhi and its border areas against the Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020, The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020, and The Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020.