India is expected to reject US demands to open its market to genetically modified (GM) crops such as corn and soya under the ongoing trade negotiations.
Sources close to the talks have indicated that the Indian government is firm in its stance against allowing GM food imports.
The reason is rooted in both public opposition and the government’s broader agricultural policy.
Domestic Opposition to GM Remains Strong
At present, India has permitted the cultivation of only one GM crop — Bt cotton. Attempts to introduce genetically modified food crops like GM mustard have faced legal and public pushback.
Farmers, environmentalists, and consumer groups have voiced strong concerns over the safety, ecological impact, and long-term effects of GM technology.
A senior official monitoring the discussions stated, “Some things are matters of principle. We can’t import GM.”
This clear stance reflects a long-held hesitation in India about genetically altered food entering the supply chain.
Trade Talks with the US Continue
The United States has consistently pushed for access to the Indian market for its agricultural exports.
Among the items high on its list are GM variants of corn, soya, and certain processed food products. Washington argues that these products are widely consumed and regulated in many developed countries, and India’s resistance hampers free trade.
India, however, is not swayed by this argument.
Officials point to their responsibility to protect both consumer health and the rights of farmers.
They also cite the lack of long-term, independent studies on the effects of GM crops.
Policy Consistency and WTO Considerations
India has maintained a cautious approach to GM crops at the policy level for over two decades. This is in line with the precautionary principle under the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, to which India is a party.
Moreover, India’s biosafety norms are among the strictest in the developing world.
Any approval process for GM imports must pass through multiple layers of scientific and legal scrutiny.
Sources said that accepting GM imports at this stage would be inconsistent with both policy direction and public sentiment.
“Scientific Claims Alone Not Enough”
Supporters of GM crops often claim these variants can help improve yields and address food security.
However, Indian officials say that scientific claims alone cannot justify overriding deep-rooted concerns.
“There is a huge trust deficit when it comes to GM food,” the source said.
Any move to allow such imports would trigger protests, legal challenges, and possibly regulatory gridlocks.
Previous Attempts Met With Pushback
In 2022, the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) approved GM mustard for commercial cultivation.
However, the approval was met with massive protests and legal petitions. India’s Supreme Court is currently hearing multiple petitions challenging the government’s GM policies.
This legal uncertainty makes any GM-related trade deal politically risky.
Alternatives to GM Crops Being Promoted
India is also investing heavily in non-GM agricultural solutions.
These include hybrid seeds, organic farming, and agroecological practices that don’t rely on genetic engineering.
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has been encouraging the use of locally adapted seed varieties to improve yield and climate resilience.
These efforts reflect the country’s intention to maintain control over its agricultural technology roadmap.
Trade Talks to Focus on Less Contentious Issues
Despite the GM deadlock, both India and the US are keen on reaching a mutually beneficial trade pact.
Negotiations are now shifting towards less contentious items such as digital trade, data storage, tariffs on industrial goods, and services.
Sources confirmed that while agriculture remains important, “the GM issue is off the table for now.”
Final Word
India’s firm resistance to importing genetically modified agricultural items highlights the nation’s strong policy stance.
Despite pressure from global partners like the US, New Delhi appears committed to upholding its biosafety framework and public interest.
As trade talks continue, the focus may now turn to sectors where agreement is more likely.