CPM Protests Alleged India–US Trade Deal in Shimla, Demands Transparency from Centre

The Shimla district unit of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) on Tuesday staged a protest outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office, raising strong objections to the reported India–US trade agreement. Party leaders demanded that the Central Government immediately disclose the complete details of the deal, arguing that the lack of transparency has triggered widespread concern.

Addressing party workers and supporters, state secretary Sanjay Chauhan described the agreement as a “serious attack on India’s sovereignty.” He alleged that despite controversy surrounding tariff decisions under former US President Donald Trump, the BJP-led Central Government had agreed to significant concessions under what has been termed an “interim agreement.”

Concerns Over Zero Tariffs on Agricultural Imports

Chauhan claimed that partial information available in the public domain suggests India may allow zero tariffs on several US agricultural imports, including fruits, cotton, nuts, soybean oil, and other food products.

According to him, such a move could severely impact domestic farmers — especially apple growers, cotton producers, and soybean cultivators — who are already grappling with rising input costs and market uncertainty.

“The livelihoods of lakhs of farmers are at stake,” Chauhan said, adding that orchardists in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir have previously faced challenges due to earlier trade agreements with countries like New Zealand. He warned that another concession-heavy agreement could deepen their economic distress.

Political and Strategic Dimensions

Beyond agriculture, CPM leaders also alleged that the United States may attempt to influence India’s broader policy decisions, including energy imports and foreign relations. They argued that India must ensure its economic and strategic autonomy remains intact while engaging in global trade negotiations.

Chauhan urged the Central Government to avoid signing any agreement that could undermine the interests of farmers, workers, and small businesses. He emphasized that transparency is essential in matters involving national trade policy and called on the Centre to place the full agreement in the public domain for scrutiny and debate.

Growing Demand for Clarity

The protest in Shimla reflects a larger political debate emerging around India’s trade engagements with major global economies. While the Centre has positioned trade negotiations as steps toward economic growth and global competitiveness, opposition parties argue that domestic stakeholders must not be sidelined.

As discussions around the India–US trade framework continue, farmer groups and political organizations are likely to keep pressing for clarity — and for assurances that India’s economic interests remain protected.

Read Also : Anurag Thakur Slams Rahul Gandhi, Questions His Role as Leader of Opposition