Wed Mar 26 22:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Farmers Protest US-India Trade Talks Amid Concerns Over Agricultural Market Access
**New Delhi, March 27, 2025** – Farmers’ organizations are threatening protests against ongoing U.S.-India trade negotiations in Delhi, expressing deep concern over potential market access for American agricultural products. The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), a major farmers’ alliance, plans protests starting March 28, demanding an end to the negotiations.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar acknowledged the concerns, stating that the government is aware of the anxieties surrounding increased market access for U.S. agricultural and dairy products. He emphasized trust in the Indian negotiators, asserting their commitment to securing India’s best interests. Mr. Jaishankar confirmed that market access for these products is indeed under discussion as part of a bilateral trade agreement.
The SKM leader, Joginder Singh Ugrahan, strongly criticized the negotiations, claiming the Indian government is “bending its knees in front of imperialism” and warning of devastating consequences for Indian farmers already facing a crisis. He stated that allowing barrier-free imports of U.S. agricultural products would worsen the situation and urged the government to halt the talks.
Mr. Jaishankar defended the negotiations, highlighting the potential economic benefits of a trade agreement with the U.S. He noted that such agreements are not unprecedented, but the current scale and urgency are different. He cited previous attempts under the Trump administration that were not finalized due to unforeseen circumstances.
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