Opposition MPs staged a protest outside Parliament's Makar Dwar on February 12, 2026, strongly opposing the recently signed India-US interim trade deal, which they branded a “trap deal.” Carrying placards and a large banner reading "trap deal," along with posters featuring slogans such as "Narender Surrender" and caricatures implying Prime Minister Narendra Modi had capitulated to U.S. demands, the demonstrators raised chants like "US deal hai atyachari" (US deal is oppressive) and "desh ko bechna bandh karo" (stop selling the country). The protest, which unfolded amid the ongoing Budget Session, also expressed solidarity with farmers and trade unions participating in the nationwide Bharat Bandh called on the same day against various central policies.

The demonstration highlighted concerns that the interim trade framework could undermine domestic sectors, particularly agriculture, dairy, and small industries, by allowing cheaper U.S. imports that might depress local prices and harm livelihoods. Opposition leaders, including those from Congress and allied parties, accused the government of lacking transparency in negotiations and surrendering national interests, especially in energy and farming. Specific criticisms focused on potential impacts on sensitive areas like Kashmir's apple growers and other horticulture sectors, with MPs arguing that reduced duties on certain agricultural products could disadvantage Indian producers without adequate safeguards.

The protest coincided with disruptions in Parliament proceedings, where the Lok Sabha was adjourned shortly after beginning for the day following uproar over the trade deal and related issues. Congress MP Manish Tewari moved an adjournment motion seeking a detailed government statement and discussion on the agreement. Leaders like Rahul Gandhi have previously described the deal as a "wholesale surrender," linking it to broader grievances over labour codes, rural employment schemes, and perceived anti-farmer policies fueling the concurrent nationwide strike.

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The India-US interim trade deal, part of ongoing bilateral negotiations, aims to boost exports, attract investment, and strengthen economic ties, with the government maintaining that key agricultural sensitivities, including staples, remain protected while offering export gains in other areas. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has emphasized efforts to aggressively safeguard farm interests. However, farmer unions under Samyukt Kisan Morcha and others have warned of threats to rural incomes from subsidized U.S. imports, prompting parallel protests across states.

The opposition's action underscores deepening political divisions during the Budget Session, with calls for parliamentary debate before further progress on the pact. While the protest remained confined to the Parliament complex and did not escalate into major disruptions outside, it amplified demands for greater scrutiny of trade policies and alignment with domestic stakeholder concerns, reflecting ongoing tensions between economic liberalization goals and protections for vulnerable sectors.

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