New Delhi: A fresh wave of farmers’ protests has erupted against the proposed India-US trade agreement, with thousands of farmers from Punjab, Haryana and other states mobilising for a ‘Kisan Mahapanchayat’ in New Delhi. Farmer organisations claim the proposed trade pact could expose Indian agriculture and the dairy sector to cheaper American imports, threatening the livelihoods of millions of small and marginal farmers.

The protest, organised under the banner of the Desh Bachao Morcha along with several farmer groups, comes at a crucial stage when India and the United States are negotiating a bilateral trade agreement. Farmer leaders have demanded that agriculture and dairy be completely excluded from the proposed pact, arguing that Indian farmers cannot compete with heavily subsidised agricultural products from the United States.

A major agricultural and geopolitical standoff has erupted along the state lines as thousands of Punjab farmers launch a massive march toward Delhi to protest the newly proposed India-US trade deal, forcing the Haryana Police to completely seal the strategic Shambhu border. pic.twitter.com/kmDeBsi7GM

— Vinamra Koolwal (@NotKanjusBaniya) July 21, 2026

Heavy Security at Delhi Borders

Authorities deployed heavy security at the Punjab-Haryana border and key entry points into Delhi to prevent protesters from reaching the national capital. The Haryana government sealed the Shambhu border with multiple barricades, cement blocks and a large police presence as convoys of farmers attempted to march towards Delhi for the Mahapanchayat at Kisan Ghat.

Several farmer leaders alleged that they were stopped or detained en route to Delhi. Reports said Bharatiya Kisan Union (Charuni) chief Gurnam Singh Charuni was detained by Haryana Police while heading to the protest venue.

The government provides these rich farmers with subsidies of ₹2,000 per bag on urea and ₹2,500 per bag on DAP. Farmers’ income is completely tax-free.
In return, they supply us with grains heavily contaminated with toxic pesticides, all in the name of “Annadata.” People who… pic.twitter.com/2VI7O4as3O

— Rishi Bagree (@rishibagree) July 21, 2026

Why Farmers Oppose the Trade Deal

Farmer organisations contend that lowering import tariffs on American agricultural commodities could make imported products cheaper than domestically produced crops. They fear such a move would reduce farmgate prices, weaken the Minimum Support Price (MSP) system, and adversely affect sectors including wheat, maize, pulses, cotton, oilseeds and dairy.

They also argue that American farmers benefit from extensive government subsidies, crop insurance and technological advantages, making it difficult for Indian farmers—most of whom operate on small landholdings—to compete on equal terms.

The protesting unions insist they are not opposed to international trade itself but want any agreement to safeguard India’s food security, rural employment and domestic agricultural markets. They have also reiterated longstanding demands for a legal guarantee of MSP and stronger protections for farmers before any trade commitments are finalised.

Protest Builds Political Pressure

The mobilisation has added political pressure on the Centre at a time when negotiations with Washington are reportedly in their final stages. Farmer unions have warned that if agriculture is included in the agreement without adequate safeguards, they will intensify nationwide protests.

In recent weeks, several demonstrations, motorcycle rallies and public meetings have been organised across Punjab to raise awareness about what farmer organisations describe as the potential impact of the proposed trade pact on agriculture, dairy, small businesses and rural livelihoods.

Government Yet to Finalise Agreement

The proposed India-US trade agreement has not yet been finalised. While both governments have indicated progress in negotiations, officials have not disclosed the final contours of the pact. Agriculture remains one of the most sensitive issues in the talks, with New Delhi seeking to balance expanding trade ties with protecting the interests of its farming community.