Trudeau reiterates support to farmers' protest a day after India summons Canadian envoy

Even as India has expressed its disapproval on comments made by Canada PM Justin Trudeau over ongoing farmers' protest in India, Trudeau has reiterated support for protest. On Friday, in a press conference, when Trudeau was asked about soured ties with India and stern reaction of New Delhi against his initial comments on farmers' protest, he said that Canada will always stand up for "right to peaceful protest and human rights". Even though Trudeau didn't name India, and included that Canada supports "human rights anywhere around world", his remarks come hours after India summoned  Canadian High Commissioner and categorically stated that it is India's "internal matter."

Justin Trudeau said, "Canada will always stand up for right to peaceful protest and human rights anywhere around world and we are pleased to see moves towards de-escalation and dialogue. Canada will always stand up for right to peaceful protest and human rights around world."

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Earlier while addressing a virtual Gurupurab celebration, Justin Trudeau expressed his concerns over farmers' protests. "I would be remiss if I didn't' start by recognising news coming out of India about protests by farmers. situation is concerning and we are all very worried about families and friends. Let me remind you, Canada will always be re to defend right to peaceful protest. We believe in importance of dialogue and that's why we have reached out through multiple means to Indian authorities, to highlight our concerns." 

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farmers in India are protesting against three laws -- Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020; Farmers Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020 and Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act 2020 -- that took effect from September 27 after President Ram Nath Kovind's assent.

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MEA summons Canadian High Commissioner

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastavahas responded to Justin Trudeau's remarks, saying: "We've seen some ill-informed comments by Canadian leaders relating to farmers in India. se are unwarranted especially when pertaining to internal affairs of a democratic country. It's also best that diplomatic conversations aren't misrepresented for political purposes."

India on Friday summoned Canadian High Commissioner and issued a stern demarche.  press release by  Ministry of External Affairs said, "se comments have encourd garings of extremist activities in front of our High Commission and Consulates in Canada that raise issues of safety and security. We expect Canadian Government to ensure fullest security of Indian diplomatic personnel and its political leaders to refrain from prouncements that legitimize extremist activism."

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