London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Monday, Jul 13, 2026

Indian farmers' protest: Activists burn photos of Greta Thunberg over her support for demonstrators

Indian farmers' protest: Activists burn photos of Greta Thunberg over her support for demonstrators

Greta Thunberg is one of a number of high-profile people who have used their star power to shed light on the cause of the farmers.

Police in India are probing a controversial "toolkit" for supporting the country's ongoing farmer protests in the country, tweeted by Greta Thunberg, as angry pro-government activists took to the streets to burn photos of the teenager.

The toolkit - which contained documents guiding people on how to support the protests - was cited in a case filed by Delhi Police, Indian broadcaster NDTV reports.

The case levies charges of sedition, overseas conspiracy, and an attempt to "promote enmity between groups" against the creators of the toolkit, but does not name the 18-year-old climate champion.

However, the case does mention a tweet she sent on Wednesday, sharing the toolkit to her 4.8m followers. She deleted the tweet soon after, but later shared an updated version of the toolkit.


According to NDTV, Delhi Police referred to her tweet in documents that state "one account" had posted a toolkit that "exposes the conspiracy by an organised overseas network" to instigate the farmer protests.

Thunberg has since tweeted again in support of the protests, saying: "I still #StandWithFarmers and support their peaceful protest. No amount of hate, threats or violations of human rights will ever change that."

The influential climate activist, who shot to fame when she started going on strike from school in 2018, is just one of a group of high-profile people who have used their star power to shed light on the cause of farmers, who say reforms introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government in September will ruin their livelihoods.

Popstar Rihanna, US Vice President Kamala Harris's niece Meena, and Lebanese American model Mia Khalifa have also showed their solidarity with the farmers.

However, western support for the farmers has drawn anger from leaders and pro-government activists.

Rihanna - who has over 100 million Twitter followers - has shown her solidarity with protesting Indian farmers


Senior government ministers, Indian celebrities and even the foreign ministry have urged people to come together and denounce outsider interference.

"It is unfortunate to see vested interest groups trying to enforce their agenda on these protests, and derail them," India's foreign ministry said, in a rare statement criticising "foreign individuals" posting on social media.

On Thursday, activists from United Hindu Front took to the streets burning effigies of Rihanna and Thunberg.

The reason for the protests is that the new laws around the sale, pricing and storage of produce will - according to the aggrieved farmers - leave growers vulnerable to exploitation by big private companies.

The reforms will allow retailers to buy directly from the farmers, throwing doubt over the previously guaranteed prices they would expect to receive for their crops.

Farmers in front of the historic Red Fort during a protest


Tens of thousands of farmers have been living in makeshift camps on the outskirts of New Delhi for several months and say they will remain in place until the new laws are repealed.

However, Mr Modi says the changes are necessary to modernise Indian farming.

Clashes between those demonstrating and government forces last week left one protester dead and nearly 400 police officers injured.

In response, authorities - who are notoriously sensitive to any form of public criticism - suspended internet access to several areas around the capital, and have previously blocked the Twitter accounts of farmers' leaders and activists.

Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
United Kingdom Financial Markets Monitor Business Response to Economic Policy Changes
Scottish Renewable Energy Expansion Highlights Need for Faster Grid Development
Wales and Regions Strengthen Focus on Economic Development Through Tourism and Investment
Retail Industry Warns High Street Businesses Remain Under Pressure
Police Chiefs Highlight Growing Challenges Managing Protests and Public Order
Agriculture Leaders Seek Clarity on Post-Brexit Farming Support and Environmental Rules
Transport Unions Warn of Further Industrial Action Over Pay and Working Conditions
Welsh Tourism Sector Reports Strong Growth Driven by Domestic and International Visitors
National Infrastructure Review Gains Support as Leaders Seek Faster Project Delivery
Financial Markets Assess Impact of United Kingdom Corporate Tax Policy Changes
Northern Ireland Assembly Debates Cross-Border Trade and Infrastructure Cooperation Plans
Government Opens Consultations on Housing Reform and Planning System Changes
Scottish Government Faces Pressure to Accelerate Offshore Wind and Grid Expansion
National Energy System Operator Warns Grid Investment Is Needed for Future Electricity Demand Growth
United Kingdom Research Council Invests in Artificial Intelligence and Biotechnology Innovation Hubs
United Kingdom Expands Oversight of Skilled Worker Visa Sponsors Amid Migration Debate
Cross-Party MPs Call for National Infrastructure Strategy Review to Accelerate Economic Growth
Prime Minister Announces One Billion Pound NHS Funding Package Ahead of Winter Pressures
Bank of England Signals Cautious Approach to Interest Rates as Inflation Remains Above Forecasts
World Cup Visitors Turn American Big-Box Stores Into Souvenir Stops
Netflix Weighs Always-On Channels, Bundles and Short-Form Video
Passenger Is Pulled Partly Outside Ryanair Jet After Window Fails Mid-Flight
Innovation-led growth strategy
Public service reform pressure
Defence and industrial security
Labour leadership transition and economic reset
Northern England Pushes for Greater Influence in Britain’s Future Economic Model
UK Technology Strategy Focuses on Life Sciences, Digital Innovation and Research Investment
Britain and United States Maintain Focus on Pharmaceuticals Cooperation and Industrial Growth
UK Public Services Face Continued Pressure as Government Promises Visible Improvements
Regional Economic Power Becomes Key Theme in Britain’s Next Political Phase
Britain Expands Support for Small Businesses as Firms Seek Better Access to Finance
UK Economy Remains Central Political Challenge as Cost of Living and Growth Concerns Persist
National Health Service Introduces New Workplace Reviews to Improve Conditions for Healthcare Staff
UK Life Sciences Sector Secures More Than Three Billion Pounds in Investment to Support Innovation
Britain Strengthens Defence Strategy as Security Concerns Reshape Military and Industrial Policy
Andy Burnham Promises Stronger UK Defence Industry and Expanded Domestic Production
UK Government Faces Difficult Spending Choices as Labour Leadership Transition Approaches
Rachel Reeves Warns Andy Burnham of Immediate Economic Challenges After Expected Leadership Change
Andy Burnham Prepares to Lead UK Government With Plans for Regional Power Shift and Economic Reset
Government Creates Emergency Support Scheme for Financially Struggling Universities
United Kingdom Replaces Traditional Farm Subsidies With Payments Linked to Environmental Performance
National Grid Reports First Week of Electricity Generation Without Fossil Fuels
United Kingdom Financial Regulator Introduces Tougher Capital Rules for Cryptocurrency Exchanges
Belfast Harbour Expands Operations to Attract Investment Through United Kingdom and European Union Market Access
Scottish Government Threatens Legal Challenge Over Westminster Cuts to North Sea Transition Funding
United Kingdom Accelerates Trans-Pennine High-Speed Rail Project Linking Northern Cities
United Kingdom Secures Ten Billion Pound Investment for Cambridge Quantum Computing Campus
Port Talbot Steelworks Wins Support for Green Hydrogen Transition and Protection of Industrial Jobs
United Kingdom Sends Royal Navy Carrier Strike Group to Indo-Pacific as Regional Security Focus Expands
×