Bhubaneswar: Several farmers’ organisations, including Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), its non-political breakaway faction, and the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS), have criticised the interim India–US trade agreement framework and announced nationwide protests next week.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the SKM alleged that the proposed deal amounted to a “total surrender” of Indian agriculture to American multinational corporations. The organisation also demanded the immediate resignation of Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal.
According to the joint India–US statement, India has agreed to eliminate or reduce tariffs on US industrial goods and certain food and agricultural products as part of the interim trade agreement. In return, the United States will impose a reciprocal tariff rate of 18 per cent on Indian exports, including textiles and apparel, leather and footwear, plastic and rubber products, organic chemicals, and select machinery.
The terms were released after US President Donald Trump announced the trade deal, stating that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had promised to halt Russian oil purchases. Indian officials have not publicly confirmed this specific claim, and the broader agreement is still expected to undergo further negotiations and formalisation.
Farmers’ groups have expressed concerns that tariff reductions on agricultural imports could expose Indian farmers to cheaper foreign produce, potentially impacting domestic prices and livelihoods. The government, however, has argued that the agreement could boost exports, investment, and technology transfers while strengthening bilateral trade ties.
Protests are expected to be held across multiple states in the coming week as farmer unions seek wider public and political support against the deal.
-OdishaAge
