Trade protest: Farmers' outfits call for nationwide stir on August 13; retaliation against Trump's tariff threat, CETA
In a joint statement, the CTUs-SKM criticised US President Donald Trump's tariff threat and a proposed tax aimed at India's oil trade with Russia. The platform urged widespread mobilisation for what it called a "nationwide day of resistance".
'CTUs-SKM calls upon all farmers, workers, students, and patriotic citizens to join the nationwide day of resistance on August 13, 2025, with various mass actions like tractor and motorcycle rallies, protest demonstrations, public gatherings, and other forms of protest as decided by different platforms and partner organisations,' the statement said.
The statement demanded that the Indian government reject Trump's tariff threats and maintain its right to conduct trade with any country, including Russia. It also called for a review and amendment of the India-UK CETA.
The platform urged the government to stop all discussions related to a potential India-US trade agreement, stating that any future trade deals must be made public and undergo parliamentary and public scrutiny.
It also said that secret negotiations should be avoided.
Drawing comparisons with the colonial period, the platform said trade agreements like CETA and those proposed with the United States have the potential to shape policies in favour of foreign corporations.
Quoting the statement, ANI reported that 'on August 13, farmers and workers will rally to defend India's sovereignty and freedom,' describing the US move as 'an act of economic coercion attempting to dictate New Delhi's policies, including its trade with Russia.'
The unions stated that the approach reflects a policy wherein the US seeks open access to foreign markets while using tariffs to pressure countries. The statement claimed that this undermines India's ability to make independent trade and economic decisions.
It also said the Indian government's silence on the issue reflected a pattern of alignment with Western trade and foreign policy interests. According to the statement, this was visible in the India-UK CETA, which it said impacts the interests of domestic sectors including agriculture and labour.
The platform argued that failure to resist such moves could result in an India-US trade agreement that allows greater access to the agricultural and dairy markets for American companies, affecting prices and rural livelihoods. It further stated that such trade policies could lead to reduced manufacturing activity and a rise in job losses.
Regarding the India-UK CETA, the joint platform stated it would affect food security, access to public healthcare, and broader economic autonomy.
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