Farm unions and opposition parties have come out strongly against a proposed India–United States trade pact, warning that the agreement could severely impact Indian farmers, food security, and domestic markets.
Several farmers’ organisations said the deal may open the door for increased imports of subsidised agricultural products from the US, which they fear would undercut Indian farmers and weaken the country’s public procurement and minimum support price (MSP) systems. Union leaders argued that past trade agreements have disproportionately benefited large corporations while leaving small and marginal farmers vulnerable to price volatility.
Opposition parties echoed these concerns, accusing the government of pushing forward with trade negotiations without adequate consultation with farmers’ groups or parliamentary scrutiny. They warned that provisions related to market access, intellectual property rights, and agri-commodities could dilute protections for Indian agriculture and compromise national interests.
“This agreement risks surrendering the livelihoods of millions of farmers to global agribusiness interests,” an opposition leader said, calling for the government to make the negotiation details public and hold wider consultations before finalising any pact.
The government, however, has maintained that the proposed trade agreement aims to strengthen bilateral economic ties, boost exports, and create new opportunities for Indian businesses. Officials have said that India’s core agricultural interests will be safeguarded during negotiations.
Farm unions and opposition parties have indicated they will intensify protests, campaigns, and parliamentary pressure if the government moves ahead without addressing their concerns, setting the stage for a fresh political confrontation over trade and agriculture policy.
