The United States on Wednesday came out in support of India’s new farm laws, saying it welcomes steps that would “improve the efficiency” of Indian markets and attract greater private sector investment.
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, a State Department spokesperson said: “In general, the United States welcomes steps that would improve the efficiency of India’s markets and attract greater private sector investment”. Reacting on the ongoing farm protests in India, a State Department spokesperson said that Washington recognizes that “peaceful protests are a hallmark of any thriving democracy”, adding that differences between the parties be resolved through dialogue. Farmers have been protesting on the borders of Delhi since November 26 against the three newly enacted farm laws: Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020; the Farmers Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and farm Services Act 2020 and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020. On January 26, violence broke out during the farmer tractor rally on the occasion of Republic Day.
