Protests took place in multiple countries over the weekend in support of the thousands of Indian farmers who have been in clashes with the Indian government at the border of the capital New Delhi.
The farmers are protesting against three new agricultural laws that were passed by Prime minister Narendra Modi’s government in September this year. They fear that these laws will put an end to India’s regulated markets, leaving them vulnerable to larger corporations.
The Indian government counters that the legislation will allow for an overhaul of old-fashioned procurement methods, as well as, allow farmers to increase production through private investment.
According to the United Nations, in 2019, India had the largest number of international migrants with 17.5 million people living abroad.
With many still engaged in the news from India, protests in solidarity with the farmers popped all over the world, in cities like London, Toronto, San Francisco, and New York.
Central London was gridlocked on Sunday with thousands of people taking part in demonstrations and car rallies at the Indian High Commission in Aldwych.
6 December: Protests against India’s farming laws in central London. (Images by: Nichole Tan)
Protesters outside the Indian High Commission in London (Video by: Nichole Tan)
In California, demonstrators brought traffic to a standstill in various parts of San Francisco including on the San Francisco Bay Bridge.
A remarkable protest and demonstration in support of Punjabi and other Indian farmers. Drivers with signs and broadcasting chants declaring “no farmers, no food.”
This is outside my window in the heart of San Francisco. pic.twitter.com/nGw0oqBJiD
— David Wohlreich (@wallrike) December 5, 2020
There were similar scenes at the Indian consulate in Toronto, along with other car rallies planned in Vancouver and Ottawa.
Farmers are leading one of the largest protests in human history in Delhi. We fear for their safety. We fear for their livelihoods. They are our families. Solidarity from Toronto. #StandWithFarmers #FarmersProtest #KisanRally pic.twitter.com/7zZba7zWTd
— Manny (@mnbrr15) December 5, 2020
Support to farmers protest in Toronto today. @sardesairajdeep @narendramodi @TheDeshBhakt @BJP4India @ravishndtv pic.twitter.com/sCx1dqyDvD
— Raj Karnie (@RajKarnie) December 6, 2020
The latest meeting between the farmers and the Indian government has been inconclusive with unions demanding a full repeal of the laws, not just amendments. Another round of talks are scheduled for Wednesday, 9 December.