In an announcement, the platform condemned Trump's proposal to impose 25 p.c tariffs on Indian items and penal taxes associated to India's continued oil commerce with Russia. The unions termed these actions as “blatant financial coercion” and known as on residents to withstand them.
“CTUs-SKM calls upon all farmers, staff, college students, and patriotic residents to affix the nationwide day of resistance on August 13, 2025, with numerous mass actions like tractor and bike rallies, protest demonstrations, public gatherings, and different types of protest as determined by totally different platforms and associate organisations,” the assertion mentioned.
The teams demanded that the Indian authorities firmly reject the tariff threats and assert its proper to commerce freely with all international locations, together with Russia.
In addition they raised objections to the India-UK CETA, calling for its quick overview and revision. All negotiations on a US-India commerce deal should be suspended to stop “additional company exploitation,” they mentioned.
The platform additional known as for full transparency in future commerce agreements, demanding that each one offers be subjected to parliamentary scrutiny and public session. The assertion criticised the present method, likening it to historic colonialism.“The East India Firm colonized India by means of commerce — in the present day, CETA and US commerce offers are the brand new devices of company imperialism,” it alleged.In accordance with the organisers, the deliberate protests intention to defend India's sovereignty and financial independence.
“On August 13, farmers and staff will rise in protection of sovereignty and freedom, sending a transparent message,” the assertion mentioned.
They accused the US of hypocrisy, stating that Washington promotes open markets for American companies whereas utilizing tariffs as a software to “bully sovereign nations.”
The unions additionally criticised the Indian authorities's silence in response to US stress, saying it displays “rising subservience to western imperialist pursuits.”
The CTUs-SKM claimed the India-UK CETA sacrifices the pursuits of Indian farmers, staff, and broader financial independence in favour of overseas companies. They warned the deal might enable corporations like Cargill unrestricted entry to India's dairy and agricultural sectors, impacting native livelihoods and meals safety.
“This capitulation paves the best way for an much more exploitative India-US commerce deal,” the assertion mentioned.
The teams argued that such agreements might speed up deindustrialisation and unemployment, whereas additionally undermining India's healthcare and self-reliance in important sectors.
With inputs from PTI
