New Delhi: India on Thursday welcomed US State Department statement that backed three farm laws as ‘reforms’ strategy and said internet restrictions in certain places were aimed at preventing further violence.
“We have taken note of comments of the US State Department. As you can see, the US State Department has acknowledged steps being taken by India towards agricultural reforms,” MEA spokesman Anurag Srivastava told a virtual media briefing.
“India and the United States are both vibrant democracies with shared values. The incidents of violence and vandalism at the historic Red Fort on 26 January 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 pointed out.
He 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.
MEA spokesman maintained that the “temporary measures with regard to internet access” in certain parts of the National Capital Region C were therefore understandably undertaken “to prevent further violence.”
Earlier in the day, the American Government statement backed three farm laws that are being opposed by opposition parties and certain sections in India. The US statement said the new farm laws enacted by the Modi government would attract investment and improve the efficiency of Indian markets.
It also had said that any protest must be seen as a “hallmark of any thriving democracy”.
Meanwhile, he said India has issued a Mutual Legal Assistance Request to the USA for investigation in the matter of Sikhs for Justice/Referendum 2020.
“As per procedure, the request has been sent directly by the concerned authorities to the US Department of Justice (DoJ). You may wish to contact the Ministry of Home Affairs for further information,” he said.
