NEW DELHI—The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), an umbrella body of farmers' organizations, held nationwide protests on Wednesday against proposed free trade agreements with the United States and other countries, saying the pacts could harm India's agricultural sector and farmers' livelihoods.
The protests, organized under the banner of "Farmers' Pledge Day against FTAs," included public meetings in villages, demonstrations outside offices of lawmakers from the ruling National Democratic Alliance, and other coordinated actions across several states, according to statements issued by the SKM. The organization said participants pledged to continue campaigning against the proposed agreements until their demands were addressed.
In an open letter to President Droupadi Murmu, the SKM urged her to ask Prime Minister Narendra Modi not to sign the proposed India-U.S. Free Trade Agreement, repeal existing trade agreements that it opposes, and ensure Parliament debates the economic and agricultural implications of future trade pacts. The farmers' body argued that greater market access for imported agricultural products could adversely affect domestic producers, although the government has not publicly endorsed those claims.
The demonstrations came as some farmer groups from Punjab and Haryana altered separate protest plans after receiving assurances of talks with Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Those groups suspended a planned march toward Delhi following the government's offer of discussions, while the SKM proceeded with its nationwide campaign against the proposed trade agreements.
The SKM also condemned recent police action against student demonstrators in Delhi and expressed support for their demands, linking the issue to its broader criticism of government policies. The organization announced symbolic protest actions, including the burning of effigies in some locations, as part of Wednesday's campaign.
The Indian government has continued negotiations on trade agreements with several partners, including the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union, arguing that expanded trade can boost economic growth and exports. Officials have said the negotiations are intended to advance India's economic interests, though details of ongoing talks have not been made public.
The SKM has previously warned of broader nationwide agitation if the proposed trade agreements are finalized without what it describes as adequate consultation with farmers and other stakeholders. As of Wednesday, there was no official indication that the government had altered its trade negotiation timetable, while farmer organizations said they would continue their campaign through further demonstrations and public outreach.
