New Delhi [India], February 13 (ANI): Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Friday held a high-intensity meeting with a delegation representing 17 major farmer unions from across the country at his Parliament office to discuss concerns surrounding the India–US interim trade deal.
The development was shared by Sukhpal Singh Khaira, MLA from Bholath, former Leader of the Opposition in Punjab, and Chairman of the All India Kisan Congress, through a post on X.
“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,” Khaira posted.
During the meeting, farm leaders voiced strong opposition to the agreement, warning that it would severely impact Indian farmers—particularly those cultivating corn, soyabean, cotton, fruits, and nuts. They called for a nationwide mass movement to resist the deal and safeguard farmers’ incomes and livelihoods.
In a subsequent post, Khaira said:
“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. 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 17-member delegation included prominent representatives such as Sukhpal S. Khaira (MLA, Bholath), Advocate Ashok Balhara, P.T. John, and Tejveer Singh, among others. Their unified stance signals that the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha – India (KMM–India) is preparing for what could be its most significant mobilisation since the 2020–21 farm law protests.
According to Khaira, the farm leaders present at the discussion were:
- All India Kisan Congress – Sukhpal S. Khaira
- GKS Rajasthan – Ranjit S. Sandhu
- Bharatiye Kisan Mazdoor Union, Haryana – Adv. Ashok Balhara
- KMM Kerala – P.T. John
- BKU Krantikari – Baldev S. Zira
- Progressive Farmers Front – R. Nandkumar
- BKU Shaheed Bhagat Singh – Amarjit S. Mohri
- All India Kisan Congress – Akhilesh Shukla
- Aam Kisan Union – Kedar Sirohi
- Kisan Congress Punjab – Kiranjit S. Sandhu
- Raj Sabha – Gurpreet S. Sangha
- Kisan Mazdoor Morcha – India – Guramneet S. Mangat
- J&K Zamidara Forum – Hameed Malik
- KMM – Tejveer Singh
- Haryana Kisan Sangarsh Samiti – Dharamvir Goyat
- Krishak Samaj – Ishwar Singh Nain
- South Haryana Kisan Union – Satbir Khatana
The India–US Interim Trade Agreement aims to reduce tariff barriers while balancing India’s domestic agricultural sensitivities with US demands for expanded market access.
Under the deal, the US has agreed to lower reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods from as high as 50 per cent to 18 per cent, benefiting Indian exports in textiles, leather, footwear, and pharmaceuticals. India has also expressed a non-binding intent to purchase USD 500 billion worth of US energy, aircraft, technology, and coking coal over the next five years.
Additionally, the US will grant duty-free access to select Indian agricultural products—including spices, tea, coffee, mangoes, grapes, and cashews—potentially boosting agri-exports, which reached USD 4.45 billion in 2024–25. The US has also agreed to lift the 25 per cent penal duty earlier imposed on Indian goods, contingent on India maintaining its commitments under the new trade framework.
The government, however, has maintained that 90–95 per cent of Indian farm products are excluded from the agreement. The Commerce and Agriculture Ministries have reiterated a “zero-compromise” stance on sensitive agricultural sectors to protect farmers’ interests and avoid political backlash.
According to the government, no tariff concessions have been granted for wheat, rice, maize (corn), or millets such as jowar, bajra, and ragi. Dairy and poultry products—including milk, ghee, butter, paneer, and chicken—remain fully protected. Imports of genetically modified (GM) products are explicitly banned, while onions and sugarcane are excluded from the deal.
As part of a calibrated compromise, India has allowed limited access to select American products. Tariffs on intermediate goods such as coconut oil, castor oil, and modified starches will be phased out over a ten-year period. Limited quantities of almonds, walnuts, and pistachios may be imported at reduced duties, while duties have also been lowered on dried distillers’ grains (DDGs), red sorghum for animal feed, and premium wine and spirits.
Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi on Thursday assured farmers of his full support.
“FIR is filed, a case is registered, or a privilege motion is brought—I will fight for the farmers,” he said.
He accused the government of being “anti-farmer” and of “selling” the country through the trade deal. (ANI)
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