New Delhi– Escalating its opposition to the Centre’s foreign and economic policies, the Congress party on Friday, February 20, 2026, announced a nationwide agitation against the proposed Indo-US trade deal. Following a high-level strategy meeting chaired by Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, the party labeled the agreement a “policy surrender” that would devastate India’s agricultural sector.
The meeting at 10 Rajaji Marg included Chief Ministers and state leaders from key agricultural hubs, focusing on the deal’s potential impact on small and medium-scale farmers.
The “Kisan Sammelan” Roadmap
To mobilize rural support, the Congress has planned a series of massive farmers’ conventions across the country:
-
February 24 – Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh: The first gathering, where both Kharge and Rahul Gandhi are expected to address the concerns of maize and soybean farmers.
-
March 7 – Yavatmal, Maharashtra: A convention focusing on the vulnerabilities of cotton and soybean growers.
-
March 9 – Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan: A final pre-Parliament session rally targeting the concerns of fruit and grain producers.
Key Concerns: From “Operation Sindoor” to GM Crops
Senior leader Jairam Ramesh drew a sharp parallel between the trade deal and “Operation Sindoor,” a military de-escalation with Pakistan on May 10, 2025. Ramesh alleged that just as the Prime Minister “surrendered” then under US pressure, the current trade deal similarly sacrifices national interests.
The Congress’s primary objections include:
-
Agricultural Vulnerability: Concerns that duty-free imports of American cotton, soybean, and maize will crash domestic prices.
-
GM Crops “Backdoor”: Allegations that the deal could allow genetically modified (GM) processed foods into India, harming indigenous varieties.
-
Energy Security: Claims that the pact forces India to shift from cheaper Russian oil to costlier American or Venezuelan alternatives.
A Pattern of “Third-Party Influence”
Jairam Ramesh criticized the government for what he termed a lack of diplomatic transparency, noting that major developments—from the halt of Operation Sindoor to the trade deal contours—were often communicated by Washington before New Delhi. The party signaled it would align with various farmers’ unions, hinting at a resistance movement similar to the 2020-21 farm law protests.
