Indian PM Modi announces U-turn on farming reform

Farmers' union leaders in India have welcomed the government's surprise decision to scrap controversial laws that had sparked a year of protests. Jubilant farmers, camped on the outskirts of Delhi, distributed sweets in celebration. The U-turn was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, ahead of elections in the states of Punjab and Uttar Pradesh. Hundreds of thousands of farmers took part in demonstrations against the reforms, which were introduced in September last year.

BBC South Asia correspondent Rajini Vaidyanathan says this represents a "huge moment in Indian politics", as Narendra Modi is not known as someone who often backs down. She goes on to say this may be a political calculation given election season in India is just beginning, with much of the public on the side of the farmers, and that many farmers are saying they will continue the protest until the repeals and their 'minimum support price' pledges become law.

Photo: Farmers in India celebrate after India's Prime Minister announced plans to repeal three agricultural reform laws Credit: Getty Images