US trying to influence India’s agriculture policy, says Kisan Mazdoor Morcha

In a strong show of dissent against potential trade agreements between India and the United States, the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha burnt effigies of US vice-president JD Vance and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi here on Wednesday.

The protest coincides with the visit of vice-president Vance to India and is aimed at highlighting concerns of farmers over growing foreign influence on domestic agricultural policies.

Sarwan Singh Pandher, senior leader of KMM, criticised what he described as the imperialistic agenda of the United States. “Since Donald Trump returned to power, the US has aggressively used its economic influence to force unethical trade deals on various countries,” Pandher said.

He expressed concern that under pressure from the US, the Indian government is preparing to enter into trade agreements that would enable large American corporations to flood Indian markets with heavily subsidised agricultural products, including dairy, meat and grains, thereby undermining local producers.

“The United States provides nearly $80 billion in subsidies to its dairy industry alone. Indian farmers simply cannot compete with such artificially lowered prices,” he warned.

If India allows low- or zero-tariff imports on American farm goods, small and marginal farmers, as well as dairy producers may be forced out of business, Pandher cautioned.

The farmer leader also highlighted that the US is pushing the Modi government to dismantle India’s public distribution system (PDS), which provides subsidised or free grains to millions of low income families. “This is not just about trade. It’s about dismantling the very systems that protect India’s poor and working class,” he said.

Pandher accused the Modi administration of caving in to foreign pressure and prioritising corporate interests over the livelihoods of Indian citizens. He called on all farmer unions, labour organisations and small business associations across the country to unite in protest.

The farmers also criticised the killings of tourists in Kashmir by terrorists and demanded from the government to serve justice. The farmers also prayed for the victims and expressed solidarity with their families.

Amritsar