Indian authorities are facing criticism for their handling of the ongoing farmers’ protests in the country. Since mid-February 2024, farmers from Punjab and Haryana states have been protesting outside of India’s capital, New Delhi, seeking higher prices for their produce. Human Rights Watch has accused the Indian authorities of using threats, excessive force, and internet shutdowns to suppress the protests. The protests are a continuation of a movement that took place in 2021 and led to the repeal of new agricultural laws. The current demands of the farmers include an expanded list of crops that the government would purchase at a minimum guaranteed price. The authorities have set up barricades on highways leading to the city and have threatened to revoke protesters’ passports and visas. The use of drones, tear gas shells, and shotguns loaded with metal pellets has also been reported. The use of excessive force and internet shutdowns by the authorities violates international human rights standards and undermines the farmers’ right to peaceful protest. Human Rights Watch has called on the Indian government to respect the farmers’ right to express their views in a peaceful manner. It has also urged the authorities to hold accountable those responsible for inciting violence against religious minority communities. As the country heads into elections, Human Rights Watch has stressed the importance of minimizing political violence and allowing for dissent and peaceful protests.