Indian farm unions and opposition parties have vowed to launch nationwide protests against the newly announced India-U.S. trade framework, warning that it could harm the country’s farm sector by opening the door to more American imports.
The trade agreement has quickly turned into a political flashpoint, reviving memories of the massive 2020–21 farm protests that forced the Indian government to repeal three controversial farm laws aimed at deregulating agricultural markets.
The Indian government has defended the interim trade framework, saying it safeguards farmers by excluding imports of major staples such as rice, wheat, corn and dairy products.
Officials argue the pact could instead benefit Indian exporters, particularly growers of basmati rice, fruits, spices, coffee and tea, who may gain duty-free access to the U.S. market.
Farm groups, however, say the agreement places Indian farmers at a disadvantage.
“We are worried about the India-U.S. trade deal, as it would hurt Indian farmers, who are far more vulnerable than their American counterparts,” said farmer leader Rakesh Tikait.
Tikait said U.S. farmers typically have larger landholdings and receive higher subsidies, while Indian farmers face challenges including poor processing infrastructure, rising cultivation costs and frequent crop losses.
The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), a coalition of over 100 farm organisations, has called for protests on February 12. The group claims the deal could allow imports of subsidised U.S. agricultural products, which may depress domestic prices and reduce rural incomes.
In a statement, SKM described the trade framework as a “complete surrender” to U.S. agricultural multinationals and urged the government not to sign the pact.
SKM national secretary Purushottam Sharma warned that any reduction in tariffs on crude soyoil — currently taxed at around 16.5% — could severely hurt India’s domestic oilseed farmers.
Apple growers have also expressed alarm. In a representation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers-cum-Dealers Union said more than 700,000 families depend on horticulture in key apple-producing regions. The group demanded import duties of over 100% on U.S. apples to protect local producers.
Meanwhile, the opposition Congress party has labelled the agreement a “total surrender” of national and farm interests, criticising the government for not releasing detailed product lists and tariff lines.
Farmer leaders have also demanded greater transparency.
“India could be made into a dumping ground by this deal,” Congress leader Pawan Khera said, referring to remarks by U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, who said the framework would boost U.S. farm exports to India, lift prices and inject cash into rural America.