Following the release of the draft agreement, several farmers’ organizations have expressed serious concerns and are preparing for a nationwide protest starting February 12. Farmers’ apprehensions are not limited to tariff concessions on soybean oil, grains, or apples. These concerns are about trust, transparency, and the future of Indian agriculture. While the government repeatedly assures that agriculture and the dairy sector will be protected, the agreement includes provisions to reduce tariffs on various agricultural and food products and remove non-tariff barriers, which has heightened farmers’ anxiety. Indian Agriculture Trapped in Global Geopolitics | Countercurrents
Previous free trade agreements with the European Union and New Zealand led to a surge in cheap imports, adversely affecting local producers. the experience of many countries in the Global South shows that FTAs often benefit multinational corporations, exporters, and advanced economies, while small farmers, local industries, and informal workers suffer.
This agreement is not only economic but also political. Midterm elections are approaching in the United States, and agriculture is a powerful political sector there. The trade war with China significantly affected American farmers and reduced export markets. Therefore, the Trump administration needs new markets. With a population of 1.4 billion, India represents a massive market for the United States. Thus, a trade agreement with India is an important part of U.S. political strategy. Reducing rural discontent and satisfying the farm lobby is politically crucial for the Trump administration.
The agreement also raises serious concerns about genetically modified (GM) crops. American agriculture is heavily dependent on GM crops, whereas India has social, environmental, and health-related concerns regarding GM crops. If free trade facilitates the entry of GM food products, it could undermine food sovereignty.
09/02/2026