“Need to set the record straight”: Indian High Commission slams UK Lawmakers’ farm row debate

New Delhi: Indian High Commission in London issued a statement condemning the discussion on farm laws which took place in UK’s parliament on Monday. The statement said, “We deeply regret that rather than a balanced debate, false assertions – without substantiation or facts – were made, casting aspersions on the largest functioning democracy in the world and its institutions.”

The House of Commons had to carry out the discussion after an e-petition on the parliamentary website, crossed the threshold of 1,00,000 signatures required to be approved by the House of Commons Petitions Committee.

The statement further said, “The High Commission of India would normally refrain from commenting on an internal discussion involving a small group of Honourable Parliamentarians in a limited quorum. However, when aspersions are cast on India by anyone, irrespective of their claims of friendship and love for India or domestic political compulsions, there is a need to set the record straight.”

The High Commission statement also pointed out that foreign media and British media were present there to see the events first hand, so any “question of lack of freedom of the media in India does not arise.”

UK Minister for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Nigel Adams said the close U.K.-India relationship did not stop the U.K. from raising difficult issues with India, even as he reiterated the government’s stance that agricultural reforms are a “domestic matter” for Indian govt.

“This is a time of great ambition for the U.K.’s relationship with India. Both governments are working to advance shared priorities across trade and investment, health, sustainability and climate change and defence and security,” Mr. Adams added.

While talking about PM Johnson’s trip to India Mr. Adams said, “However, whilst this is an exciting time for the U.K.-India partnership, it does not hinder us from raising difficult issues,” the minister said, adding that “candid discussions” on a number of issues will form part of Boris Johnson’s upcoming planned visit to India.

Debate on #FarmersProtests: ‘Domestic matter’ of India, says Minister #NigelAdams in UK Parliament pic.twitter.com/jy62UQDbG0

— Neha Singh (@NehaSingh1912) March 9, 2021