Farmer protests: India summons envoy, Trudeau reiterates stand on peaceful protests

“Such actions, if continued, would have a seriously damaging impact on ties between India and Canada,” it said.

“These comments have encouraged gatherings of extremist activities in front of our High Commission and Consulates in Canada that raise issues of safety and security. We expect the Canadian Government to ensure the fullest security of Indian diplomatic personnel and its political leaders to refrain from pronouncements that legitimize extremist activism,” it said.

This statement is different from its statement Tuesday because the MEA mentions the Canadian Prime Minister. In its earlier statement, it had mentioned “some Canadian leaders”.

A broad spectrum of Canadian leaders have expressed their opinion on the farmer protests, which has not gone down well with the government. Earlier this week, after Trudeau came out in support of the protesting farmers, India had reacted sharply against “ill-informed comments” on the “internal affairs of a democratic country”.

Speaking to Canadian-Sikh community leaders at an online event on the occasion of Gurpurab, Trudeau said: “I would be remiss if I didn’t start by recognising the news coming from India about the protest by farmers. The situation is concerning. We are all very worried about family and friends. We know that’s a reality for many of you. Let me remind you, Canada will always be there to defend the rights of peaceful protesters. We believe in the process of dialogue. We’ve reached out through multiple means to the Indian authorities to highlight our concerns.”