India on Tuesday strongly reacted to comments by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other leaders there on protests by farmers, calling the remarks as "ill-informed" and "unwarranted" as the matter pertained to the internal affairs of a democratic country.
"We have seen some ill-informed comments by Canadian leaders relating to farmers in India. Such comments are unwarranted, especially when pertaining to the internal affairs of a democratic country," external affairs ministry spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said.
In a terse message, the ministry further added that "it is also best that diplomatic conversations are not misrepresented for political purposes."
On Monday, Trudeau, backing the agitating farmers in India, said Canada will always be there to defend the rights of peaceful protests.
"The situation is concerning and we are all very worried about family and friends and I know that is a reality for many of you. Let me remind you, Canada will always be there to defend the right of peaceful protest," he said speaking at an online event on Monday to mark the 551st birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.
Canada has a significant number of Indians and most of them are from Punjab.
"We believe in the importance of dialogue and that is why we have reached out through multiple means directly to Indian authorities to highlight our concerns," Trudeau said in the video posted on his Twitter account.
Canada's Indian-origin defence minister Harjit Sajjan too expressed concern over the situation.
"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 six consecutive days at the borders of the national capital against three farm laws.
The farmers have expressed apprehension that the Centre's farm laws would pave the way for the dismantling of the minimum support price system, leaving them at the "mercy" of big corporates.
The government has maintained that the new laws will provide farmers with better opportunities. It has also accused the opposition parties of misleading farmers.
Our internal issue not for your politics: Sena MP to Trudeau
Objecting to Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's remarks on the ongoing farmers protests near Delhi, Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi on Tuesday told him not to play politics using "India's internal issue as fodder".
"Dear @JustinTrudeau, touched by your concern but India’s internal issue is not fodder for another nations politics. Pls respect the courtesies that we always extend to other nations. Request PM @narendramodi ji to resolve this impasse before other countries find it okay to opine," tweeted Chaturvedi, a Rajya Sabha member.
AAP reacts to Trudeau's comments on farmers protest
The Aam Aadmi Party believes any interference or commentary from elected heads of other countries on India's internal matters is unsolicited and unwelcome, party spokesperson Raghav Chadha said on Tuesday, reacting to Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau comments on the ongoing farmers protests in India.
Chadha urged the Centre to immediately resolve and accede to farmers' demands which remains an internal matter of India.
"While we urge BJP government to immediately resolve and accede to farmers' demands, this remains an internal matter of India. AAP believes interference or commentary from elected heads of other countries are unsolicited and unwelcome. India is capable of handling its own domestic matters," Chadha tweeted.
