Small Farmers Protest Across India Against Proposed US Trade Deal

NEW DELHI: Small farmers staged protests in several cities across India against a proposed trade agreement between **India** and the **United States**, expressing fears that the deal would harm the agricultural sector.

Farmers organized rallies nationwide, alleging that India has offered excessive concessions to the United States in the agriculture sector, undermining the interests of local growers.

According to media reports, the trade agreement could open India’s highly protected farming sector to American products, allowing increased imports of agricultural commodities such as soybeans and other farm goods from the US.

Protest leaders warned that the deal may lead to falling prices, reduced demand for local crops, and potential risks associated with genetically modified (GM) crops. They also voiced concern that tariff reductions on American agricultural equipment could further disadvantage domestic producers.

Reports suggest that under the agreement, India may reduce duties on US farm goods and could also halt purchases of oil from Russia, a move that has sparked additional debate among political and economic observers.