Just a day after the nationwide Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest over examination reforms, another major demonstration unfolded in the national capital as thousands of farmers from Punjab, Haryana, and several other states marched towards Delhi. The farmers were travelling to attend a Kisan Mahapanchayat at Kisan Ghat under the banner of the Desh Bachao Morcha, where they voiced strong opposition to the proposed India–US trade agreement.
The protest comes amid growing concerns among farmer organisations that the proposed bilateral trade pact could significantly impact India’s agricultural economy. Farmer leaders argue that lowering import duties on American agricultural products would expose Indian farmers to cheaper imports, making it difficult for domestic producers to compete in the market. According to the protesters, sectors including agriculture, dairy, livestock, and small-scale rural businesses could suffer if the agreement is implemented without adequate safeguards.
One of the primary demands of the protesting farmers is the immediate withdrawal of the proposed India–US trade agreement. They believe the deal favours large multinational corporations at the expense of India’s small and marginal farmers. The organisations have urged the central government to ensure that no trade agreement is signed without extensive consultations with farmer unions and agricultural stakeholders.
Farm leaders have also expressed concern that the agreement may extend beyond agricultural commodities. They claim its provisions could cover digital trade, e-commerce, government procurement, intellectual property rights, industry, and services, potentially affecting a broader section of the Indian economy. According to them, such changes could weaken domestic industries and reduce economic opportunities in rural India.
The farmers are demanding stronger protection for Indian agriculture through higher safeguards on sensitive products such as dairy, grains, pulses, edible oils, and livestock. They insist that India’s food security and the livelihoods of millions of farming families should not be compromised during international trade negotiations. Protest leaders have repeatedly stated that protecting farmers must remain a national priority.
Authorities responded with heightened security across the Punjab–Haryana border and at Delhi’s entry points. Heavy barricading, concrete blocks, and a large deployment of police personnel were put in place at the Shambhu border, preventing many farmers from entering the capital. Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher accused the Haryana government of deliberately blocking peaceful protesters from reaching the Mahapanchayat venue.
Despite the restrictions, organisers maintained that the protest would remain peaceful and democratic. Farmer unions from Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, and several other states joined the mobilisation, highlighting the nationwide concern over the proposed trade pact. Organisers warned that if the government proceeds with the agreement without addressing their concerns, larger demonstrations could follow in the coming weeks.
