Farmers’ organisations and trade unions have intensified their opposition to the interim India–US trade framework, announcing a nationwide protest on February 12. While the government maintains that farmers’ interests have been protected, the deal has triggered political backlash and raised fresh concerns over agriculture, food security and market access.
Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the interim framework includes safeguards for Indian farmers and does not amount to opening up the agriculture sector indiscriminately to US companies. According to the ministers, the agreement balances trade opportunities while protecting sensitive sectors.
The government has argued that India retains the right to impose controls if imports threaten domestic producers and that fears being raised by farmer groups are premature.
Several farmer organisations and trade unions have rejected the government’s assurances and called for a nationwide strike on February 12. They allege that the deal weakens India’s bargaining position and exposes farmers to unfair competition.
Key concerns raised by farmer bodies include:
Entry of US multinational companies into Indian agriculture
Competition from heavily subsidised US farm products
Pressure on prices of crops such as cotton, oilseeds and fruits
Long-term risks to food security and rural livelihoods
The Samyukt Kisan Morcha has described the framework as a “total surrender” of Indian agriculture and announced protests in villages across the country.
Affiliates of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh have taken a more balanced position. The Swadeshi Jagran Manch said the government had negotiated the best possible outcome under current global trade conditions.
SJM national co-convenor Ashwani Mahajan said:
The 18 percent tariff imposed by the US on Indian goods is lower than that faced by many competing countries
India has imposed quantitative restrictions on imports such as soybean oil and animal feed
India retains the right to raise tariffs if these restrictions are violated
He also pointed out that India’s decision to walk out of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership was driven by farmer concerns, a principle that continues to guide current trade talks.
The Bharatiya Kisan Sangh welcomed the interim agreement but expressed strong reservations about genetically modified products. It demanded clear assurances that GM crops or food items would not be allowed into India under any conditions.
The Congress and Left parties have criticised the deal and said they would seek explanations in Parliament. The CPI (M) warned that zero or low tariffs on US exports such as fruits, cotton, tree nuts and soybean oil could worsen agrarian distress, particularly in apple- and cotton-growing regions.
With protests looming and political pressure mounting, the India–US trade framework has become a major flashpoint ahead of the next phase of negotiations.
