Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau repeated his support for the right of farmers in India to hold peaceful protests hours after the central government summoned the country's High Commissioner last week to express its displeasure at his original remarks. "Canada will always stand up for the right of peaceful protests anywhere around the world. And we are pleased to see moves towards de-escalation and dialogue," he told reporters in Ottawa to a question about India's warning that he could damage ties between the two countries.
When pressed further about whether he was worried about the consequences, Trudeau coolly reiterated the first line of his statement. India had summoned Canada's ambassador and warned of serious damage to diplomatic ties after Trudeau commented on growing protests by farmers. Tens of thousands of farmers have been camping on the outskirts of New Delhi since last week to protest new laws on farm produce trading which they say will leave them at the mercy of large corporations and override legal safeguards.
The Indian foreign ministry said it had summoned Canada's top diplomat for a warning over "unacceptable interference" in India's internal affairs. "Such actions, if continued, would have a seriously damaging impact on ties between India and Canada," said a statement. The ministry said "ill-informed" comments by Trudeau and other Canadian politicians had encouraged "extremist" gatherings in front of Indian missions in Canada.
"We expect the Canadian government to ensure the fullest security of Indian diplomatic personnel and its political leaders to refrain from pronouncements that legitimise extremist activism," it said.
India protests Trudeau's remarks
India summoned the Canadian envoy and formally denounced Trudeau's remarks on the farmer protests, warning that "such actions will seriously damage ties." The government conveyed to the Canadian High Commissioner its strong objection to Trudeau's recent comments and those by other parliamentarians, including ministers. "Comments by Canadian leaders on Indian farmers constitute an unacceptable interference in our internal affairs. Such actions, if continued, will have a seriously damaging impact on bilateral ties," the foreign ministry said.
Speaking at an event to mark the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, Trudeau had spoken in support of farmers in India and weighed in on the right to peaceful protest. "Canada will always be there to defend the rights of peaceful protest," said the 48-year-old. He was the first world leader to comment on the protest by Indian farmers. India had immediately responded saying the comment was "ill-informed" and "unwarranted.
