Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi convened a meeting on Friday at his Parliament office with representatives from 17 major farmer unions across India to deliberate on the India-US interim trade agreement. The details of the meeting were conveyed by Sukhpal Singh, MLA from Bholath and Chairman of the All India Kisan Congress, via the social media platform X.
It was described as high intensity and meaningful interaction by the leaders of the major farmer unions.Sukhpal Singh Khaira, former Leader of the Opposition in Punjab, posted, “A delegation of various #Kissan #Unions met LoP @RahulGandhi ji in his Parliament office to discuss the anti-farmer Indo-US treaty, which is nothing but a complete surrender before the Americans.”
Farm leaders expressed concerns that the trade deal would adversely affect Indian farmers, particularly those involved in the cultivation of corn, soyabean, cotton, fruits, and nuts. They called for the launch of a nationwide movement to oppose the agreement and protect farmers’ rights and incomes.
Khaira further posted, “LoP Shri @RahulGandhi met leaders of farm unions from across the country at Parliament House today. The farm leaders expressed their opposition to the US-India trade deal, warning that it poses a grave threat to the livelihoods of farmers cultivating corn, soyabean, cotton, fruits, and nuts. In the discussion, Rahul ji and the union leaders underscored the urgent need for a nationwide mass movement to resist this deal and defend the rights, incomes, and future of farmers and farm labourers across India.”
The delegation included prominent members such as Sukhpal S. Khaira (MLA Bholath), Adv. Ashok Balhara, PT John, and Tejveer Singh, among others. Their collective position indicates that the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) – India is preparing for a significant campaign akin to the 2020-21 farm law protests.
Pertinently, US has agreed to lift the 25% penal duty previously imposed on Indian goods (linked to India's Russian oil purchases), provided India maintains its commitment to the new trade balance.The government, however, claims that 90-95% of Indian farm products are excluded from the deal, protecting farmers' interests. The government (via the Commerce and Agriculture Ministries) maintained a "Zero-Compromise" stance on domestic farming interests to prevent a political backlash.
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