In April 2025, Indian farmers have reignited their protests, this time targeting perceived U.S. influence on India's agricultural policies. The demonstrations, led by groups such as the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha and the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political), have gained momentum across Punjab and Haryana, with farmers expressing concerns over foreign involvement in domestic agricultural reforms.
The catalyst for the renewed protests is the alleged backdoor introduction of previously repealed farm laws through new draft policies. Farmers argue that these policies favor multinational corporations and undermine the livelihoods of small-scale farmers. The situation escalated with the planned visit of U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance to India, prompting slogans like 'Vance Go Back! India Is Not For Sale' to echo across protest sites.
Farmers' demands remain consistent: a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for all crops, withdrawal of the draft agricultural policies perceived as pro-corporate, and compensation for families of farmers who lost their lives during earlier protests. Despite multiple rounds of talks with the central government, including meetings with Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, no resolution has been reached.
The protests have also highlighted internal challenges within the farmers' movement. Efforts to unify various farmer organizations have seen limited success, with some meetings ending inconclusively. Nonetheless, the collective sentiment remains strong against external influences shaping India's agricultural landscape.
The Indian government's response has been a mix of engagement and enforcement. While officials have expressed willingness to discuss farmers' concerns, instances of detaining protest leaders have drawn criticism. The Punjab government's actions, in particular, have been scrutinized, with accusations of aligning with central policies that favor corporate interests.
As the protests continue, the farmers' movement underscores the broader debate on globalization's impact on agriculture, the role of foreign entities in domestic policy-making, and the need for inclusive reforms that prioritize the welfare of India's agrarian community.