FazTimes Media | August 5, 2025 | New Delhi: India is preparing for a big nationwide protest on August 13, 2025. Ten Central Trade Unions (CTUs) and the strong Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) have declared a "day of resistance" against what they say is increasing foreign economic pressure and bad trade policies in India. In a strong statement this week, the group criticized U.S. President Donald Trump for threatening to put a 25% tax on Indian products and for putting strict limits on India's oil trade with Russia. They called these actions "economic coercion."

According to BBC News, President Trump has continued to warn about tariffs in his recent speeches, saying it's about unfair competition and national security. The Indian government has not responded yet, which has led to strong criticism from workers and farmers' groups.

A United Front for Sovereignty and Self-Reliance

A rare effort by farmers, trade unions, students, and civil society groups to come together shows rising concerns about India’s foreign policy—especially when it comes to trade and becoming more self-reliant economically. CTUs and SKM warned, “The East India Company took control of India through trade. Now, CETA and the proposed US trade deals are the new forms of corporate control.”

They assert that the use of international trade agreements as tools of power benefits big multinational companies at the expense of Indian workers and farmers. This can stop countries from making their own rules and putting the public’s interests first.

Why the Protest?

The protest on August 13 is going to stand against two big changes:

U.S. Tariff Threats & Sanctions: President Trump is again trying to punish countries that trade with Russia, especially those dealing in oil. This affects India's energy and export industries. India continues to import oil from Russia as part of its non-aligned trade policy, which is now under pressure due to external factors.

The government is questioning the success of the new free trade deal with the UK, known as the India-UK CETA Agreement. People are worried it lacks transparency and might harm Indian farmers, small businesses, and access to cheap healthcare.

The people protesting want the Indian government to make its own trade decisions and say no to any interference from the U.S. or the U.K. in India's economic freedom.

Impact on Farmers and Workers

The CTUs and SKM say that these international trade deals could badly hurt the Indian economy, especially small farmers and workers in the informal sector who already earn very little and face higher living costs. They are worried about India’s agriculture and dairy sectors opening up to big foreign companies like Cargill and Monsanto. Such an arrangement could lead to small farmers losing their way of life.

The statement suggests that this move could pave the way for a significantly worse trade deal between India and the US. American agribusiness companies will have full access to India’s dairy and farming markets. This move will force small farmers out of business. Our food security will be in danger.

Protest Actions Across India

On August 13, big rallies by tractors, motorcycle groups, public meetings, and sit-ins on the side of the road are planned all over both rural and urban areas of India. The organizers are asking not just farmers and workers but also students, teachers, housewives, and small business owners to come together to protect the country’s interests.

Each state is planning its activities. In Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, workers from the textile, manufacturing, and transport industries are getting ready for protest marches. In Kerala and West Bengal, student groups have also said they will support these actions.

“We want to send a clear and strong message,” said Ashok Dhawale, a senior leader from SKM. Washington or London should not control India's trade policies. We will not let another generation suffer because of corporate greed.

Healthcare, Jobs, and Industry in Danger

One of the less discussed problems with CETA is how it might hurt India's medicine and healthcare industries.

Under this new agreement, India might have to give longer patent rights to medicines, which could slow down the availability of cheaper generic drugs.

Furthermore, trade unions say letting foreign products into India's market without strong rules could lead to more factories closing. Such action would cause job losses and stop progress in these areas. People are demanding that all trade agreements be discussed in Parliament and debated openly before they are signed.

The group says the government is making deals in secret without talking to farmers, workers, or everyday people. They believe this is not only against the spirit of democracy but also risky.

Tapan Sen, a leader from the Centre of Indian Trade Unions, said, “Every economic agreement must be checked by Parliament. We can’t let big companies and foreign governments decide rules that affect 1.4 billion people.”

A Moment of Reckoning

As economic tensions around the world increase, India is now facing a big decision. Should it get closer to Western trade groups or keep following its own path of being self-reliant and not taking sides?

In many ways, this protest is not only about trade rules or tariffs—it's about keeping control, making sure people are responsible, and deciding what the future of India's economy should look like.

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