Hundreds of farmers from Punjab travelling to Delhi to participate in a Mahapanchayat at Kisan Ghat to protest against the proposed India-US trade agreement amid tight security at Shambhu border. Organised by the Desh Bachao Morcha, the gathering was expected to bring together nearly 550 farmers’ unions and social organisations from across the country. Farmer leaders allege that the proposed trade pact could expose India’s agriculture sector to cheaper imports, threatening the livelihoods of small and marginal farmers, agricultural labourers and allied rural industries.
They have called on the Union government to make the details of the negotiations public and warned of a larger nationwide movement if their concerns are not addressed. As of the latest reports, the Centre has not issued a detailed public response to the specific demands raised by the protesting organisations, while security was tightened at key entry points into Delhi ahead of the gathering.
Farmers Warn
The Mahapanchayat was convened under the banner of the Desh Bachao Morcha, with organisers describing it as one of the largest coordinated mobilisations against the proposed India-US trade agreement. Farmers from Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh and several other states joined the gathering, while organisers claimed participation from around 550 farmers’ unions, labour groups and civil society organisations.
Farmer leaders argue that opening India’s agricultural markets to cheaper American imports could significantly affect domestic producers, particularly small and marginal cultivators who form the backbone of Indian agriculture. They contend that unlike large commercial farms in the United States, Indian farmers often operate on limited landholdings with fewer financial resources, making them more vulnerable to international competition.
Kisan Mazdoor Morcha leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said the concerns extend beyond agriculture alone. According to him, the proposed agreement could also have implications for dairy, livestock, digital trade, e-commerce, government procurement, intellectual property rights and other sectors linked to rural livelihoods. He urged the Centre to place the details of the proposed agreement in the public domain and consult stakeholders before taking any final decision. Farmer organisations also warned that the impact of the deal could be felt by agricultural labourers, transport workers, small traders and village-based businesses that depend on the farming economy.
Protest Follows
The Delhi Mahapanchayat comes after weeks of sustained mobilisation across Punjab, where farmer organisations organised motorcycle rallies, awareness campaigns and public meetings to highlight their concerns over the proposed trade agreement. Leaders said the July 21 gathering marks the beginning of a broader national campaign rather than a one-day protest.
Ahead of the Mahapanchayat, authorities increased security at several entry points into the national capital, with additional police deployment, vehicle checks and barricades reported along key routes to regulate the movement of protesters. Despite these measures, large groups of farmers travelled towards Delhi to participate in the event.
Farmer leaders reiterated that they are not opposed to international trade in principle but believe that any agreement should adequately protect India’s farmers and rural economy. They argued that the government must ensure that trade commitments do not weaken domestic agriculture or reduce income opportunities for cultivators and workers. They also warned that if their concerns are ignored, the Mahapanchayat could be followed by a wider nationwide agitation involving more farmer organisations and social groups.
While negotiations on a proposed India-US trade agreement have been under discussion for several months, the Union government has so far not publicly responded in detail to the specific concerns raised by the protesting organisations regarding its potential impact on agriculture. Officials have previously maintained that India’s trade negotiations are guided by national economic interests and aim to secure balanced outcomes across sectors.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Trade agreements have the potential to create new economic opportunities, strengthen international partnerships and improve market access. At the same time, they can also raise legitimate concerns among communities whose livelihoods may be directly affected. For a country where millions of families depend on agriculture, transparency, public consultation and evidence-based policymaking are essential before major economic decisions are finalised.
Constructive engagement between the government, farmer organisations, industry representatives and independent experts can help ensure that concerns are heard and addressed while balancing India’s long-term economic interests. Open dialogue, trust and informed participation remain the most effective path towards policies that are both inclusive and sustainable.
Thousands of farmers are marching towards Delhi against the India-US trade deal. Heavy police deployment was made at the Shambhu border point between Punjab and Haryana, with barricades erected and cemented blocks placed at the bridge over Ghaggar river. pic.twitter.com/UN3y6ah27T
— Piyush Rai (@Benarasiyaa) July 21, 2026
