India Protects Farmers and Dairy in Trade Deals by Banning Modified Goods

UPDATE - follow-up to India will never allow imports of genetically modified products: Goyal: Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Tuesday stated that India has never allowed imports of any genetically modified goods and will keep this ban in place.

Trade Deals

While addressing students at Kirori Mal College, Goyal noted that the dairy sector remains protected because the country has not given duty concessions for it in any free trade agreement. He explained that India guards sensitive areas like agriculture, marine items, and dairy to shield local farmers, fishermen, and MSMEs.

Cultural Rules

The government also blocks items that clash with local religious beliefs. Imported dairy goods must hold strict certification to prove they avoid calf meat or rennet, which is an enzyme from young calves used to make cheese.

Market Goals

India targets preferential market access for textiles, pharma, gems, and jewellery so duties on Indian goods stay lower than those from nations like China, Vietnam, and Indonesia. Goyal added that the government pushes local manufacturing and startups to create new jobs.

Context

Trade pacts often involve complex negotiations where countries balance protecting local industries like farming and dairy against demands to open up markets. Nations use duty rules and product bans to shield domestic producers from foreign competition.