NEW DELHI, 5 February, 2021 (TON): U.S. embassy in New Delhi urged the government to resume talks with the farmers agitated over agricultural reforms.

Largely restricted to the outskirts of New Delhi, the mostly peaceful protests were marred by violence on 26 January, when some protesters entered the heart of the capital city after the Republic Day military parade and clashed with police.

“We encourage that any differences between the parties be resolved through dialogue,” a US embassy spokesperson said in a statement that also proffered general support to government measures to “improve the efficiency of India’s markets and attract greater private sector investment.”

The government has several times negotiated with the representatives of farmers camped on the outskirts of the capital since late 2020, however, after the Republic Day’s violence there has been no word on when the talks would be resumed.

The farmers, who enjoy most support in northern India’s breadbasket states, argue that three new farm laws will hurt their interests while benefiting large firms.

The government stands firm that the reforms will bring much needed investment to the farm sector accounts for nearly 15% of India’s $2.9 trillion economy but employs about half its workforce.

The Indian Diasporas in Australia, Britain, Canada and the United States have also supported for the farmers’ cause.

In late November, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau raised India hackles by speaking about the protests in a video message, saying he was concerned for the farmers.

The farmers’ rebuke for the farm laws is gaining significant importance around the globe with each passing move, however, the country might not accept interference in the internal affairs.