Sun Feb 08 01:35:47 UTC 2026: ### India-U.S. Trade Deal Faces Farmer Opposition; Other Key Events Unfold

The Story:

On February 7, 2026, a range of significant events unfolded across India and the globe. Key among them was the immediate backlash against the India-United States bilateral trade agreement, with the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) demanding the resignation of Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, citing concerns over the impact on apple and cotton growers. Simultaneously, West Bengal sought an extension for electoral roll revisions, Maoists surrendered in Chhattisgarh, and Prime Minister Modi highlighted India’s growing status as a trusted partner for growth. Internationally, tensions rose as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu planned a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump regarding talks with Iran, and a stabbing attack at a Russian university injured several Indian students.

Key Points:

  • The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) strongly opposes the India-U.S. trade agreement, fearing negative consequences for Indian farmers, particularly apple and cotton growers.
  • West Bengal’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) requested a one-week extension to complete Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
  • Fifty-one Maoists surrendered in Chhattisgarh, yielding a significant cache of weapons.
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized India’s positive global image as a “trusted partner for growth.”
  • Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss American talks with Iran.
  • Four Indian students were among those injured in a stabbing attack at a university in Russia.

Key Takeaways:

  • The India-U.S. trade agreement faces immediate domestic opposition, highlighting the challenges of balancing international trade interests with local agricultural concerns.
  • The surrender of Maoists in Chhattisgarh suggests a potential shift in the internal security landscape, but the underlying issues driving the insurgency likely remain.
  • India is actively engaged in trade negotiations and international diplomacy, signaling its growing influence on the global stage.

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