Indian farm unions and opposition parties have vowed to fight the newly proposed India- U.S trade framework, saying it threatens India’s agricultural sector by opening markets to U.S. imports that could undercut domestic producers, even as the government insists key staples are protected. The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) and other prominent organisations announced plans for nationwide protests on February 12, claiming the pact favours U.S. agribusinesses and could depress rural incomes by allowing cheaper imports of products such as crude soyoil and apples. They argue that American farmers receive larger subsidies and benefits, making competition unfair for Indian growers.
Opposition leaders, including members of the Congress party, have labelled the agreement a “total surrender” of national and agricultural interests, questioning why the government has not released full details of tariff lines and product lists. They warned that without greater transparency, Indian markets could be flooded with subsidised U.S. farm goods, harming wheat, maize, dairy, and other sensitive sectors. Critics also drew parallels with the 2020–21 farm law protests, which saw mass demonstrations and eventual repeal of contentious agricultural reforms, saying the trade pact risks sparking similar unrest. Farmer groups reiterated that they will not allow “the opening up of the Indian farm sector for American companies” without safeguards for livelihoods and incomes.
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The government has defended the pact, stating that the agriculture and dairy sectors are protected and that only a limited number of product categories would see reduced tariffs. Officials have said India will preserve tariff barriers on staples such as rice, wheat, corn, and dairy products, while expanding market access for select Indian exports. In response to the criticism, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan reiterated efforts to balance farm protections with broader trade goals, emphasising that safeguarding farmers’ interests has been central to negotiations. With protests planned nationwide and political debate intensifying, the standoff over the India-US trade framework underscores ongoing tensions between trade liberalisation and the protection of India’s agrarian economy.
