Indian officials have not confirmed several of Trump’s claims, particularly on oil and full agricultural opening. Experts note that while India insists on protecting sensitive sectors, details remain scarce, and the absence of a publicly released text has heightened uncertainty.
A fresh wave of protests is brewing across India as major farmer unions strongly oppose the recently announced India-US trade deal, warning it could devastate domestic agriculture and dairy sectors. While the government has repeatedly assured that sensitive areas are safeguarded, opposition parties and farmer groups remain unconvinced, citing a lack of transparency and fears of cheap US imports flooding Indian markets.
Farmer Organizations’ Strong Opposition and Planned Agitation
The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) and All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) have rejected Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal’s claims that agriculture and dairy are excluded from the deal. SKM warned that any inclusion of farm or dairy products would trigger a repeat of the massive 2020-21 farmers’ movement. The unions announced a nationwide campaign from February 4 to 11, including burning effigies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump, culminating in a major protest on February 12.
AIKS described the agreement as “surrender to American pressure” and a threat to national sovereignty. It argued that removing tariffs and non-tariff barriers would flood Indian markets with US goods, devastating agriculture, industry, and employment. Both organisations demanded the full text of the deal – along with similar agreements with the UK and EU – be placed before Parliament and discussed with states.
Specific concerns include potential surges in imports of soybean, maize, cotton, and dairy products, already facing price pressures. Farmer leaders pointed to a recent example: despite PM Modi’s Independence Day assurance in 2025 to protect farmers, cotton import duties were reduced, leading to lower domestic prices and sales below MSP.
Government Firmly Assures No Compromise on Farmers’ Interests
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan categorically stated that Indian agriculture and dairy sectors face “no threat whatsoever.” Addressing the media, he emphasised that staple grains, millets, fruits, major crops, and dairy products remain completely secure. “No market is being opened in a way that puts pressure on our farmers,” he said, adding that the deal will instead create new export opportunities in rice, spices, and textiles – directly benefiting cotton growers through higher textile demand.
Chouhan dismissed opposition allegations as “misinformation” and “lies spread by a frustrated Congress,” noting India’s rice exports already stand at ₹63,000 crore. He assured no sudden influx of foreign products would disrupt the market and that small farmers’ interests are fully protected. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has similarly told Parliament that sensitive sectors have been ring-fenced.
Congress Slams Deal as “Attack on Farmers” and National Surrender
The Congress party has led sharp parliamentary protests, with Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi accusing prime minister Narendra Modi of “selling the sweat and blood of Indian farmers” to please Donald Trump. Gandhi alleged the deal was signed under pressure linked to the Adani case and pending Epstein file disclosures. Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh claimed India now learns its own policy decisions from US announcements, calling it a complete surrender.
The party demanded the full texts of the US and EU deals be debated in Parliament and questioned any shift away from Russian oil imports.
US Claims of Greater Market Access Fuel Indian Concerns
US President Donald Trump announced the deal, claiming India would reduce tariffs and non-tariff barriers on US products to zero, stop Russian oil purchases, and increase buys from the US and Venezuela – including over $500 billion in American goods. US Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins stated the agreement would allow more American farm products into India, boosting rural US incomes.
Indian officials have not confirmed several of Trump’s claims, particularly on oil and full agricultural opening. Experts note that while India insists on protecting sensitive sectors, details remain scarce, and the absence of a publicly released text has heightened uncertainty.
Background, Trade Statistics, and Potential Impact
Bilateral trade reached $129 billion in 2024, with India enjoying a surplus. US agricultural imports from India rose, but concerns persist over subsidised US products undercutting Indian farmers. Agriculture employs about 42 per cent of India’s population, making it politically explosive – as seen in the 2021 farm law protests.
Analysts warn that even partial opening could depress prices for soybean, maize, cotton, and dairy, while benefits to exporters might not reach smallholders. Some view the deal as aspirational signalling rather than binding commitments, with India likely to retain safeguards amid upcoming state elections.
As protests loom and Parliament remains disrupted, the government faces mounting pressure to release the full agreement text. Farmer unions insist they will not back down until their concerns are addressed, setting the stage for potential large-scale agitation reminiscent of past movements.
Image: Grok
Tags: India-US trade deal 2026, farmer agitation SKM AIKS, agriculture dairy protection, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Congress criticism Rahul Gandhi, Modi Trump trade agreement, cotton maize soybean imports, Indian farmers interests, Piyush Goyal assurances, transparency in trade deals,
