Hyderabad, April 18:
In a strong show of dissent against the proposed Indo–US Trade Deal, the All India Professionals Congress (AIPC), in collaboration with the Indian Youth Congress, organized a large-scale protest at Dharna Chowk near Indira Park, Hyderabad, on Friday.
The protest witnessed active participation from professionals, youth leaders, MSME representatives, and civil society members, raising serious concerns over the potential economic impact of the trade agreement on India’s domestic sectors.
Leaders of AIPC warned that the proposed deal could severely impact Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), threaten crores of jobs, and increase dependence on imports, thereby affecting farmers and local industries.
Among the prominent participants were several key leaders from the All India Professionals Congress:
Hyderabad DCC leader Khalid Saifulla stated, India’s economy must prioritize its own people first.
Navika Harshea, National Head – Civil Society (AIPC), said, Policies must protect grassroots livelihoods.
Shashank Pasupuleti, Telangana State Head – MSME (AIPC), delivered a strong statement, saying, If this deal moves forward, it will not be a trade agreement—it will be an economic surrender of India’s MSMEs. India is not for sale. Our industries are not bargaining chips.
Syed Abdul Rauf, Telangana State Head – Gig Workers (AIPC), noted, Gig workers will be the unseen victims of such deals.
Abdullah Bakran, Telangana Deputy Head – MSME (AIPC), said, Economic decisions must not compromise local employment.
B. Bhanumurthy, Hyderabad MSME Head (AIPC), stated, Small businesses cannot survive unfair global competition.
Bharat, Deputy Head – Architecture (AIPC), commented, Domestic industries need protection, not pressure.
Y. Nareen Raj, Medchal–Malkajgiri District Head (AIPC), said, Local economies must remain strong and self-reliant.
Karthik Reddy, Secunderabad District Head (AIPC), remarked, India First should guide every policy decision.
Sai Reddy, AIPC Member from Ranga Reddy District, added, This deal risks the future of our youth and workers.
The protest, strongly supported by the Indian Youth Congress, echoed slogans such as India First – Deal Last and Save MSMEs, Save India, reflecting widespread concern over the long-term implications of the trade agreement.
Participants urged the government to reconsider the deal and ensure broader consultations with stakeholders before finalizing any agreement that could impact India’s economic sovereignty.
The demonstration concluded with a unified call to protect Indian industries, safeguard employment, and uphold the principle of prioritizing national interest in all economic policies.
