TRUDEAU PRAISED GOVT’S APPROACH TO RESOLVE FARM LAWS ISSUE: MEA

NEW DELHI: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau commended the Indian government’s decision to opt for dialogue to address the farmers’ protest during a phone call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the external affairs ministry said on Friday.

During their phone call on Wednesday, the two leaders had discussed “Canada and India’s commitment to democratic principles, recent protests, and the importance of resolving issues through dialogue”, according to a readout from Trudeau’s office.

The statement issued by the external affairs ministry on the conversation was silent on this issue. Asked about the matter at a news briefing on Friday, external affairs minister spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said: “On the farmers’ protests, Prime Minister Trudeau commended efforts of the government of India to choose the path of dialogue as befitting in democracy.”

Ties between India and Canada took a hit in December when Trudeau extended support to farmers protesting against three farm laws. India pushed back against his comments, describing the protest as an internal matter.

Wednesday’s phone call between Modi and Trudeau is being seen as an effort by both sides to mend fences.