Major farmer organisations, including the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), have strongly criticised the India–US trade deal, calling it a “historic betrayal” of Indian farmers. They allege that the agreement will open Indian markets to American agricultural products, harming local farmers and threatening livelihoods across the country. The groups have demanded that the full details of the deal be presented in Parliament and that state governments be consulted. They also want agriculture and dairy sectors to be completely kept out of the agreement.
SKM accused the Modi government of surrendering to American pressure by allowing zero percent import duty on US goods. The organisation said this move would flood Indian markets with subsidised American farm products and destroy domestic agriculture. SKM warned that farmers would never forgive what it described as a serious betrayal of trust.
To protest the deal, SKM announced a nationwide village-level campaign till February 11, followed by a countrywide strike and mass protests on February 12. The Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) has also declared demonstrations at all district headquarters on the same day, where memorandums will be submitted to the government. The All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) has joined the protest, demanding that full details of India–US, India–UK, and India–EU free trade agreements be placed before Parliament.
BKU leader Rakesh Tikait warned that if the deal moves forward, the US will dominate India’s agriculture and dairy markets. He pointed out that American farmers receive much higher subsidies, making fair competition impossible for Indian farmers. He said US companies may initially sell at low prices and later raise them, hurting both farmers and consumers.
AIKS president Ashok Dhawale said the agreement reflects surrender to pressure from the US leadership. Meanwhile, Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (BKS) said it opposes any international deal that harms Indian farmers but will respond fully once it is clear whether agriculture and dairy are included.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal defended the deal in the Lok Sabha, saying sensitive sectors like agriculture and dairy are fully protected. He claimed the agreement would boost exports, especially in labour-intensive sectors, and reduce US tariffs on Indian goods from 50 percent to 18 percent. He added that technical work is ongoing and the deal will be finalised soon.
Farm groups, however, remain unconvinced. They say zero-duty imports will overwhelm Indian markets and remind that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had promised in 2025 to protect farmers’ interests at any cost. The controversy recalls the 2020–21 farmers’ movement against the three farm laws, led by SKM. Farmer organisations are now preparing to intensify their opposition.
