“The United States welcomes steps that would improve the efficiency of India’s markets and attract greater private-sector investment”
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI – After American pop singer Rihanna and other global celebrities beat the drum for the ongoing farmers’ protests, the United States (US) government on Thursday expressed its support for the peaceful protests and expressed its concern over the internet suspension.
A US embassy spokesperson in New Delhi said, “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.”
This was in reference to the three controversial agri laws which have triggered the long-drawn agitation.
On internet restrictions at the farmers’ protest sites along the Delhi borders, the US administration said that it recognised that “unhindered access to information, including the internet, is fundamental to the freedom of expression and a hallmark of a thriving democracy.”
The comments were first made by the US State Department in response to questions and were now reiterated by the US Embassy spokesperson in New Delhi on Thursday.
In response to the statements made by the US government, the External Affairs Ministry of India said that the US hailed India’s efforts for reforms.
“We have taken note of the comments of the US State Department. It is important to take such comments in the context in which they are made and in their entirety,” said MEA spokesperson Anurag Srivastva.
“Any protest must be seen in the context of India’s democratic ethos and polity and the ongoing efforts of the government and concerned farmer groups to resolve the impasse,” he added.
On the restriction of internet access, he said “the temporary measures with regards to internet access in certain parts of the Delhi-NCR region were therefore understandably undertaken to prevent further violence.”
Earlier on Wednesday, in a highly-unusual move that has raised eyebrows, the government had slammed “celebrities and others” for their comments in support of farmer protests, calling them “neither accurate nor responsible”.
The MEA had said, “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, were neither accurate nor responsible.”
