Trudeau voiced support for farmers in India who blocked major highways to New Delhi for more than a year in 2021, saying at the time: “Canada will always be there to defend the right of peaceful protest.”
Even as India has expressed its disapproval on the comments made by Canada PM Justin Trudeau over the ongoing farmers’ protest in India, Trudeau has reiterated support for the protest. On Friday, in a press conference, when Trudeau was asked about the soured ties with India and the 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 the world”, his remarks come hours after India summoned the Canadian High Commissioner and categorically stated that it is India’s “internal matter.”
Justin Trudeau said, “Canada will always stand up for the right to peaceful protest and human rights anywhere around the world and we are pleased to see moves towards de-escalation and dialogue. Canada will always stand up for the right to peaceful protest and human rights around the world.”
READ | Canada PM Justin Trudeau Wades Into Farmers’ Protest Row; ‘very Worried’ But Won’t Say Why
Earlier while addressing a virtual Gurupurab celebration, Justin Trudeau expressed his concerns over the farmers’ protests. “I would be remiss if I didn’t’ start by recognising the news coming out of India about the protests by farmers. The situation is concerning and we are all very worried about the families and friends. Let me remind you, Canada will always be there to defend the right to peaceful protest. We believe in the importance of dialogue and that’s why we have reached out through multiple means to Indian authorities, to highlight our concerns.”
