Face2News/Chandigarh
Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Tuesday strongly criticised the Indo–US trade deal in the Punjab Assembly, warning that the agreement could harm Indian agriculture and expose domestic farmers to unfair global competition. Supporting a resolution introduced by Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian, he expressed serious concerns over the long-term consequences of the agreement for farmers and allied sectors across the country.
Addressing the House, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema expressed deep concern over the long-term implications of the trade pact on domestic farming and allied sectors. He specifically referenced statements and social media posts from United States officials who celebrated newfound access to India's massive population for their agricultural exports.
Highlighting Punjab’s history and contribution to the nation, he added, “Punjab has always stood at the forefront when it comes to defending the country’s interests. The people of this state have made immense sacrifices, and we will not quietly accept policies that resemble economic subjugation.”
Quoting a social media post by US Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, he shared the message: “Thank you President Trump for once again delivering for our American farmers. The new US-India deal will export more American farm products to India's massive market, lifting prices and pumping cash into rural America. In 2024, America’s agricultural trade deficit with India was $1.3 billion. India’s growing population is an important market for American agricultural products and today’s deal will go a long way to reducing this deficit. America First victory on top of the dozens of deals for agriculture.”
Responding to these developments, the Punjab Finance Minister questioned the stand of the BJP leadership. He said, “The Union government must explain whether it is prioritising the interests of foreign corporations over the welfare of the people of India. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s Constitution created the foundational economic protections granted to the nation's farmers, laborers, and traders, which are currently under systematic threat.” He called out the BJP leadership for yielding to foreign pressures, warning that allowing unregulated access to domestic markets fundamentally undermines the constitutional rights and economic security of everyday Indian citizens.
Highlighting Punjab’s history and contribution to the nation, he added, “Punjab has always stood at the forefront when it comes to defending the country’s interests. The people of this state have made immense sacrifices, and we will not quietly accept policies that resemble economic subjugation.”
Concluding his address, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, “The AAP is ready to launch a comprehensive mass movement across the country against policies that harm Indian agriculture. I appeal to the three crore people of Punjab to unite and stand firmly against decisions that threaten the future of our farmers and the nation’s food security.”