Trade unions are already leading a national movement against four new labor codes introduced by the ultra-right-wing government in the country which, they claim, normalizes extended working hours and strips the right to unionize.

Though India officially maintains its support for an independent Palestinian state, in the last decade it has been largely silent on Israel’s violations of UN resolutions and its genocide in Gaza.

On February 12, as part of the All-India General Strike, 600,000 workers downed tools and almost 100,000 participated in street actions in South India’s largest state, Karnataka, whose government, ruled by the main bourgeois opposition in the center, is rushing to implement anti-labor laws legislated by the BJP.

A united front of farmers launched a nationwide movement demanding the removal of the minister who oversaw the finalization of the deal, calling him a liar and a traitor who surrendered the interests of millions.

Protesters demanded the cancellation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to Israel next week, accusing his ultra-right-wing government of “double speak” on the issue of Palestine.

Jan Swasthya Abhiyan has expressed solidarity with India’s February 12 national strike, warning that proposed labor reforms threaten workers’ health and rights.

The strike was called jointly by the worker unions and farmers groups to demand the withdrawal of the anti-people policies, such as the four new labor codes and the recently signed trade deals with the US and the EU.

Millions will stop work on Thursday demanding the withdrawal of the new anti-worker labor codes, restoration of the rural employment guarantee act, and the protection of the country’s sovereignty and the secular-democratic constitution.

Protests were organized to observe the second anniversary of national elections considered rigged by the opposition and to demand Pakistan’s withdrawal from the so-called Board of Peace for Gaza.

The Indian opposition, including the left parties, say the deal surrenders to US dictates as it demands zero barriers on US exports to India, including its agricultural products, threatening millions’ livelihoods.

Five major left parties in India urged the Indian government to speak up in solidarity with Cuba calling it a “noble nation” which has stood with most of the Global South during their difficult times.

Both the EU and India see the deal as a significant relief in the context of economic pressure from the Donald Trump administration in the US, in the form of the arbitrary use of tariff and trade wars.