US State Dept in general backs trajectory of three farm laws

Sandeep Dikshit

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 4

The US State Department today called for observing human rights and fair play while supporting the general trajectory of the three farm laws. “We recognise that unhindered access to information, including the Internet, is fundamental to the freedom of expression and a hallmark of a thriving democracy” it said in response to a query on the farmers’ protests and called for resolving differences through dialogue.

Improving efficiency

In general, the US welcomes steps that would improve the efficiency of India’s markets and attract greater private sector investment. — Ned Price, State Dept Spokesperson

“In general, the US welcomes steps that would improve the efficiency of India’s markets and attract greater private sector investment… We recognise that peaceful protests are a hallmark of any thriving democracy and note that the Indian Supreme Court has stated the same,” said Ned Price, the State Department spokesperson.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) pushed back at international criticism, including the statement by the US State Department, defending shutting off the Internet as a measure to prevent a repeat of the violence at Red Fort on January 26. MEA spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said, “We have taken note of the State

Department’s comment… Any protests must be seen in the context of India’s democratic ethos and polity, and the ongoing efforts of the government and the farmer groups concerned to resolve the impasse,” he said.

Srivastava said the incidents of violence and vandalism at the Red Fort had evoked “similar sentiments and reactions” in India as had the Capitol Hill clash in the US.

The State Department and several politicians from the US, UK, Canada and Australia have sought a resolution of the farmers’ agitation.