Farmer protests in India had evoked a spectrum of reactions in the US. While celebrities like pop star Rihanna and Vice President Kamala Harris's niece Meena Harris openly supported the agitation—along with some lawmakers—the US State Department under Biden had taken a stance widely considered supportive of the agricultural reforms. Congresswoman Haley Stevens, who expressed "concern" over reported violence against the agitators, and Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, who expressed solidarity with all the farmers protesting for their livelihood across India, were some of the lawmakers who dissented.
The US State Department, on Wednesday, had said that the country welcomed steps that would improve the efficiency of India's markets and attract greater private sector investment. "In general, the United States welcomes steps that would improve the efficiency of India's markets and attract greater private sector investment," a spokesperson said, indicating that the new Biden administration is supportive of the Indian government's move to reform the agricultural sector that attracts private investment and greater market access to farmers.
In its first comments on the farmers' agitation, the Biden administration on Thursday said it encourages differences to be resolved through dialogue and described peaceful protests and unhindered access to internet as a "hallmark" of a "thriving democracy".
India compares Red Fort violence to Capitol Hill insurrection
Hours after the comments by the State Department in Washington and the US embassy in Delhi, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it has taken note of the remarks and that it is important to see them in their entirety. "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 January 6, and are being addressed as per our respective local laws," MEA Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said at a media briefing.
He said the temporary measures with regard to internet access in certain parts of the National Capital Region (NCR) were therefore understandably undertaken to prevent further violence.
The MEA spokesperson emphasised that it is important to see the comments by the US in the context in which they were made. "We have taken note of comments of the US State Department. It is important to see such comments in the context in which they were made, and in their entirety," he said. "As you can see, the US has acknowledged steps being taken by India towards agricultural reforms."
He also 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.
