Farmers slam India-US trade deal, demand Goyal's resignation
Farmers slam India-US trade deal, demand Goyal's resignation
Farmers’ unions protest the India-US trade framework, accusing it of surrender to agribusiness and calling for Piyush Goyal's resignation as tensions rise.
Farmers’ unions have intensified their opposition to the proposed interim India–US trade framework, calling it a surrender to multinational agribusinesses and demanding the resignation of Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal. They have announced plans for demonstrations on February 12 and support for a general strike, urging Prime Minister Modi to pause the agreement.
Farmers argue the framework could bring tariff concessions that would flood Indian markets with farm imports, harming apple and cotton growers and other cultivators. They say the government has surrendered to foreign corporate interests at the expense of smallholders who depend on stable prices and reliable markets.
Former commerce minister Anand Sharma weighed in, defending the rationale for importing edible oils like palm oil to meet domestic demand, arguing that data shows a need to secure supplies. In contrast, SKM leaders insist that the framework must first protect farmers and food security before any liberalization.
On the diplomatic front, the government maintains that the energy dimension of the India–US talks will revolve around market conditions and energy security, and that the MEA's stance has been consistent: energy purchases will be diversified as conditions warrant. Analysts say the price of political capital could rise if farmer sentiment remains unsettled.
With protests planned and farmers pledging solidarity across regions, the debate over the trade deal is likely to shape political narratives ahead of the next elections. Officials say negotiations are ongoing, while farmers warn that any perceived capitulation could fuel further mobilizations.
