On 12th February, a Bharat Bandh (nationwide strike) is being observed after the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) called for it against the recently announced interim India US trade deal framework. The SKM has claimed that the trade deal between India and the US would harm Indian farmers and open domestic markets to American agricultural goods.
The protest has been backed by a joint forum of 10 central trade unions, including INTUC, AITUC, CITU and others. Farmer outfits such as the All India Kisan Sabha have also extended support.
What is likely to remain closed
Schools and colleges in some states may remain shut if local bodies endorse the strike. Markets and shops could witness partial or complete closure in areas with strong participation. Banking services may face some disruption depending on employee involvement. State run buses and local transport systems may face delays and reduced frequency. Road blockages in several cities may lead to traffic congestion. Private offices are expected to function normally.
What is expected to remain open
Emergency services, hospitals and ambulances are likely to operate without interruption. Air travel and railway services are scheduled to run, though passengers have been advised to check for updates in view of possible local disruptions.
Why SKM called the bandh
According to Hannan Mollah, convenor of SKM, the protest is part of a wider campaign launched from 4th to 11th February to mobilise farmers against the India US deal framework. He called it a “total surrender” of Indian agriculture. SKM has demanded the resignation of Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, claiming that assurances about protecting agriculture and dairy sectors contradict the contents of the joint statement.
Farmer leaders claim that easing non tariff barriers and allowing greater access to US agricultural goods could flood Indian markets with cheaper imports such as soybean oil and animal feed products, adversely impacting domestic producers already grappling with low incomes and debt. Some groups have also announced symbolic protests, including burning effigies of US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
However, it is important to note that the current arrangement is only an interim framework and not a finalised Free Trade Agreement. Furthermore, the factsheet the US published related to the India US Trade Deal was modified after New Delhi raised objections over the wording. Interestingly, in the factsheet, the US removed “certain pulses” and changed “committed” to “intended” 500 dollars worth of imports from the US by India. Major agricultural commodities such as rice and wheat have not been included in the joint statement, and no formal pact has yet been signed.
