India on Friday summoned the Canadian High Commissioner and told him that the remarks made by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and some other leaders on the farmers’ protests ‘constituted an “unacceptable interference’ in the nation’s internal affairs.
The external affairs ministry said that the Canadian envoy was also conveyed that if such actions continue, bilateral ties between India and Canada will face “seriously damaging” impacts.
Trudeau had recently backed the agitating farmers who are protesting against the three agri-marketing laws of the Centre, and said Canada would always be there to defend the rights of peaceful protests. He had also expressed concern over the situation in the country.
“The Canadian High Commissioner was summoned to the Ministry of External Affairs today and informed that comments by the Canadian Prime Minister, some Cabinet Ministers and members of Parliament on issues relating to Indian farmers constitute an unacceptable interference in our internal affairs,” the Ministry of External Affairs said, adding that a demarche was made to the diplomat.
The MEA said that such comments by the Canadian leaders have resulted in “gatherings of extremist activities” in front of the Indian High Commission and Consulates in Canada, which have raised concerns regarding safety and security.
“We expect the Canadian government to ensure the fullest security of Indian diplomatic personnel and its political leaders to refrain from pronouncements that legitimize extremist activism,” the MEA further said.
Canada's Indian-origin Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan had also expressed concerns about the “peaceful protesters being brutalised in India”.
“The reports of peaceful protesters being brutalized in India are very troubling. Many of my constituents have family there and are worried about the safety of their loved ones. Healthy democracies allow peaceful protest. I urge those involved to uphold this fundamental right,” he tweeted on Sunday.
Thousands of farmers from Punjab, Haryana and several other states have been protesting for the last nine days at the borders of Delhi against three farm laws.