India has never allowed genetically modified products' import, won't do in future: Piyush Goyal
Goyal said India will protect farmers, fishermen and MSMEs as it seeks trade deals without concessions on sensitive farm and dairy items.
- On Tuesday, Industry Minister Piyush Goyal stated India will not permit genetically modified product imports or open its dairy sector under any Free Trade Agreement, describing both as "very sensitive" issues.
- Religious sensitivities drive this policy, as foreign dairy products often use calf meat or rennet, an enzyme from calf stomach linings. India enforces strict certification to protect local sentiments.
- The United States Trade Representative labeled India's dairy import rules "onerous requirements" in a March 2025 report. Washington continues pressing for greater market access through trade policy forums.
- If China restricts tunnel boring machine exports in November, Goyal noted India will produce them domestically. The government previously developed rare earth motor production following similar restrictions.
- India aims for $1 trillion in exports for 2026-27, with about $480 billion achieved during April-September. The government is prioritizing manufacturing and employment opportunities for MSMEs and agricultural farmers.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Dairy sector, GM imports off FTA table: Union minister Piyush Goyal - The Tribune
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Tuesday firmly rejected any claims that India would open its dairy sector under free trade agreements (FTAs), asserting that imports of genetically modified (GM) products would not be permitted.
Won’t allow non-veg dairy imports, genetically modified items in future too: Goyal
US has been pushing for exports of genetically modified products under the trade deal with India. Goyal says if China restricts tunnel boring machine exports, they will be produced domestically.
India has never allowed import of genetically modified products, will never open dairy sector: Piyush Goyal
Addressing students of Kirori Mal College in Delhi, Piyush Goyal said India has never compromised on any sensitive item and has always protected its farmers, fishermen, and MSMEs in trade pacts
The New Indian Express
The Hindu Business LineIndia has never allowed import of GM products, will not do so in future: Goyal
Goyal also said that dairy sector is "very sensitive" in the country and India has never given any duty concessions in any free trade agreement in this sector.
The Economic Times
Times of IndiaIndia has never allowed genetically modified products' import, won't do in future: Piyush Goyal
India continues to maintain a strict policy against the import of genetically modified products, as stated by Minister Piyush Goyal. He highlighted that the dairy sector remains particularly sensitive and has not been opened in trade agreements. Goyal emphasized India's commitment to protecting its agricultural and fisheries sectors while seeking preferential market access for textiles and pharmaceuticals.
India will never open dairy, allow GM products in trade deals, says Piyush Goyal
While India seeks preferential market access for textiles, pharma, marine products and other export-oriented industries, it will always protect sensitive sectors, the commerce minister has said
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