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India‑U.S. Trade Deal Relieves Exporters, Sparks Farmer Opposition

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Exporters celebrate tariff cuts after deal – Seafood Exporters Association of India says lowering U.S. tariffs to 18% will restore exports that fell 6.3 % in value and almost 15 % in volume from April‑Nov 2025 due to a 50 % U.S. duty, and expects volumes to return to pre‑2025 levels [1].

Farmers fear flood of subsidised U.S. crops – Samyukt Kisan Morcha calls the agreement a betrayal, warning that zero‑percent import duty will let heavily subsidised soybean, cotton, maize and wheat enter India, threatening the 48 % of the workforce that depends on agriculture [1].

SKM accuses Modi of bowing to U.S. pressure – The coalition cites Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Aug 15 2025 pledge to protect farmers, alleges he is yielding to President Donald Trump’s demands, and urges a general strike on Feb 12 [1].

AIKS demands parliamentary scrutiny of FTAs – All India Kisan Sabha asks the government to table the full text of the India‑U.S. deal and other free‑trade agreements with the UK and EU for debate, calling all anti‑farmer accords “to be rescinded” [1].

Dairy sector leader warns of import shock – Gujarat dairy farmer Dayabhai Gajera says rising input costs already strain producers and that subsidised imported dairy would damage livestock farmers and processors, urging consumers to support domestic producers [1].

CITU labels deal a threat to sovereignty – Centre of Indian Trade Unions says implementation would be “the most deadly action” against Indian workers and peasants, portraying it as anti‑national and anti‑people [1].

  • Alex Ninan (Seafood Exporters Association of India) – “We are back in the business now.”
  • G. Pawan Kumar (SEAI president) – Explained the 6.3 % value and 15 % quantity drop in seafood exports and expressed confidence that reduced tariffs will restore export levels.
  • Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) spokesperson – Described the deal as a “betrayal of the people” and a surrender to U.S. imperialism, urging farmers to join a Feb 12 strike.
  • All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) representative – Requested the full trade‑deal text be placed before Parliament and called for rescinding all anti‑farmer FTAs.
  • Dayabhai Gajera (Gujarat dairy farmer leader) – Warned that subsidised dairy imports would be a “huge blow” to livestock farmers and processors.
  • Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) statement – Called the agreement “the most deadly action” against Indian workers and peasants, accusing the Modi government of anti‑national conduct.

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