Indian farmers protest over U.S.–India trade framework as government pushes back

INDIA – Thousands of farmers across India held protests on Thursday, February 12, 2026, against the interim trade framework with the United States, accusing the government of moving ahead without their consent and risking local prices.

Farmers burned symbolic copies of the pact in fields and at meetings, echoing memories of the 2020 to 2021 protests that forced the repeal of farm market laws.

Opposition lawmakers from the Congress party protested outside parliament, holding placards that read “Trap Deal” and “US deal will destroy farmers,” and accused the government of giving up domestic interests.

Farmers warn of price pressure

Rakesh Tikait, a senior farm leader, said demonstrations took place in Bihar, Haryana, Odisha, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. “Farmers asserted their rights over their land and pledged not to hand their fields to market forces,” he said.

The Samyukt Kisan Morcha, a coalition of more than 100 farm groups, called for nationwide action and warned that the deal could open the door to subsidised U.S. imports. Leaders said such imports could push down local prices and cut rural incomes. Purushottam Sharma, another protester in Delhi, said lower tariff barriers would hurt farmers and poorer households. “This deal will hit those who depend on farming the most,” he said.

Workers also joined protests in several industrial towns, linking the trade framework to labour policy concerns. Amarjeet Kaur of the All India Trade Union Congress said unions stood with farmers against the pact. Local media reported that daily economic activity stayed largely normal.

Trade Minister Piyush Goyal rejected the criticism and said the framework protected farmers. He said the deal kept most farm products out and excluded dairy, poultry, rice, wheat, and several fruits and vegetables. “Opposition parties are misleading farmers,” Goyal said, adding that safeguards applied.

Goyal also said textile and apparel exporters could gain zero tariff access when they use U.S. cotton once both sides sign a full agreement.

Tariffs on U.S. produce in focus

The protests come days after both countries announced steps that could cut Indian tariffs on U.S. fresh produce to zero.

U.S. President Donald Trump said the United States would lower its reciprocal tariff from 25 percent to 18 percent, while India would reduce tariffs and non tariff barriers to zero. Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the move and said Indian goods would face an 18 percent tariff.

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said tariffs on tree nuts, wine, spirits, fruits, and vegetables would drop to zero.

Analysts say U.S. exporters of apples, grapes, citrus, almonds, and walnuts could gain, especially where India now applies duties of up to 18 percent, about US$3.50 per kg.

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