INDIA SUMMONS ENVOY OVER UK DEBATE ON FARM LAWS

Tue 09 March 2021:

India called in the British High Commissioner today to express its disapproval of the discussions on farmers’ protest and press freedom in the British parliament, calling it “gross interference” and “votebank politics”.

The debate came in response to a petition initiated by Maidenhead Liberal Democrat leader Gurch Singh, who has Indian roots. The petition titled “Urge the Indian government to ensure safety of protesters & press freedom” also received over 100,000 signatures on parliament’s petition website.

The 90-minute debate was held on Monday, during which several MPs of the Labour party, Liberal democrats and the Scottish National Party raised concern over the Indian government’s reaction to the protests.

The UK government had responded that concerns will be raised with India when both Prime Ministers meet in person.”

In February, the US had backed “peaceful protests” by farmers. Hailing the farm laws as reforms in the agriculture sector, it said they would “Improve Efficiency”.

In remarks seen to indicate support for the farm laws, the US said, “In general, the United States welcomes steps that would improve the efficiency of India’s markets and attract greater private sector investment”.

“We recognize 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,” said a US Embassy spokesperson, quoting from the State Department briefing.

Thousands of farmers have been camping on the outskirts of the capital New Delhi since November last year in protest of three agricultural laws introduced by the government aimed at liberalizing the agricultural sector. The farmers say the laws would jeopardize their livelihoods.

In January, the country’s Supreme Court ordered an indefinite stay on implementation of the legislation, but the farmers are insisting the laws be repealed. Several rounds of government negotiations with the protesting farmers also failed.

The movement, one of the biggest challenges faced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi since coming to power in 2014, has also gotten international support.

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