US opinion on farm laws divided, backs India's farm laws, lawmakers favor farmers

According to reports, on the question of protests in India, the spokesperson stated any differences be resolved through dialogue between the parties.

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The United States after recognizing peaceful protests as the hallmark of democracy welcomes the steps for private sector investment and improvement of efficiency of markets in India.

Indicating that the new Biden administration is supportive of reforms proposed by union government in agriculture sector in India, a spokesperson was quoted as saying, "In general, the United States welcomes steps that would improve the efficiency of India's markets and attract greater private sector investment."

According to reports, on the question of protests in India, the spokesperson stated any differences be resolved through dialogue between the parties.

Other side: American lawmakers in support of protests

Jim Costa, an American Congressman used hashtag farmers protest, as used by pop star Rihanna, he underlined that he is "closely monitoring the situation."

"The unfolding events in India are troubling. As a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, I am closely monitoring the situation. The right to peaceful protest must always be respected. #FarmersProtest (sic)," he posted on a micro-blogging site.

Read More: Rihanna, Greta Thunberg extend support to farmers in India, tweets draw intl attention while protest sites turn fortresses

Another lawmaker, Congresswoman, Haley Stevens said, ""I am concerned by the reported actions against peaceful demonstrators protesting new agricultural reform laws in India." She added, "I will continue to monitor this situation closely. It has been particularly valuable to engage with stakeholders across the district on this topic and I remain appreciative to all who have reached out to share their perspective."

Ilhan Omar, a Congresswoman also expressed her views on Twitter, "India must protect their basic democratic rights, allow for the free flow of information, reinstate internet access, and release all the journalists detained for covering the protests." She clearly extended support to the protests by farmers against contentious farm laws.

Kamala Harris' niece Meena Harris took to Twitter and tweeted that the world's largest democracy is under assault. Her allegations come at a time when the farmers protest is garnering international attention after Rihanna and Greta Thunberg tweeted about it.

Harris wrote, "It's no coincidence that the world's oldest democracy was attacked not even a month ago, and as we speak, the most populous democracy is under assault. This is related. We ALL should be outraged by India's internet shutdowns and paramilitary violence against farmer protesters."

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