Farmers’ Groups Organize Nationwide Protest on August 13 in Response to Trump’s Tariff Threat and CETA
A coalition of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) and ten central trade unions has declared a nationwide protest scheduled for August 13, 2025. This demonstration is in response to a proposed 25 percent tariff by the United States and the recently signed Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between India and the UK. The unions have called for widespread participation from farmers, workers, and citizens to voice their opposition to these trade policies, which they believe threaten India’s economic sovereignty.
Nationwide Day of Resistance
The joint platform of SKM and the central trade unions has urged citizens to participate in a “nationwide day of resistance” on August 13. They plan to organize various forms of protests, including tractor and motorcycle rallies, public demonstrations, and gatherings. The statement emphasizes the importance of collective action, calling on farmers, workers, students, and patriotic citizens to join in solidarity against what they describe as economic coercion from the US. The unions aim to mobilize a large turnout to demonstrate their opposition to the proposed tariffs and the implications of the India-UK CETA.
Concerns Over Trade Agreements
The coalition has expressed strong criticism of US President Donald Trump’s tariff threats, particularly regarding their potential impact on India’s oil trade with Russia. They have demanded that the Indian government reject these tariff threats and uphold its right to trade freely with any nation. Additionally, the platform has called for a thorough review and amendment of the India-UK CETA, arguing that such agreements could favor foreign corporations at the expense of domestic interests. The unions have highlighted the need for transparency in future trade negotiations, insisting that any agreements be made public and subject to parliamentary scrutiny.
Impact on India’s Economic Sovereignty
The unions have drawn parallels between current trade negotiations and colonial-era policies, suggesting that agreements like CETA could undermine India’s ability to make independent economic decisions. They argue that the US’s approach to trade, which includes using tariffs as leverage, threatens India’s sovereignty and economic autonomy. The statement warns that failure to resist these pressures could lead to unfavorable trade agreements that would allow greater access for American companies to India’s agricultural and dairy markets, potentially harming local prices and livelihoods.
Implications for Domestic Sectors
The joint platform has raised alarms about the potential consequences of the India-UK CETA on critical sectors such as food security and public healthcare. They argue that the agreement could diminish India’s economic autonomy and adversely affect domestic industries, particularly agriculture and labor. The unions contend that the government’s silence on these issues reflects a troubling alignment with Western trade interests. They stress that the implications of such trade policies could lead to reduced manufacturing activity and increased job losses, further jeopardizing the livelihoods of many Indians.
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