New Delhi: ‘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,’ MEA Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said at a media briefing.
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 a “hallmark” of a “thriving democracy”, prompting India to compare reactions to violence at the Red Fort with those seen after storming of the Capitol Hill.
The US also said it backed steps that can improve the efficiency of India’s markets and attract greater investment, a remark seen by New Delhi as an acknowledgement of steps being taken by New Delhi towards agricultural reforms.
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.
