New Delhi: Soon after the US government reacted to the ongoing farmer protests around Delhi, India on Thursday said the comments must be seen in their entirety. It also appeared to compare the reactions and sentiments in the country after incidents of violence and vandalism at the Red Fort during Republic Day tractor rally to those following the recent clashes at the US’ Capitol Hill.
External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava, while addressing mediapersons said any protests must be seen in the context of India’s democratic ethos and polity, and the ongoing efforts of the government and the concerned farmer groups to resolve the impasse.
“The incidents of violence and vandalism at the historic Red Fort on January 26 have evoked similar sentiments and reactions in India as did the incidents on the Capitol Hill on 6 January and are being addressed as per our respective local laws,” he said.
In its first reaction to the ongoing farmers’ agitation, the new US administration on Thursday said it encourages that any differences between the parties be resolved through dialogue even as it backed steps that can improve the efficiency of India’s markets and attract greater investment.
The US also said peaceful protests and unhindered access to the internet are “hallmarks of a thriving democracy”.
