India will not allow import of GM products, says Piyush Goyal
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal stated that the dairy sector remains a sensitive area that has not been opened in any trade pact.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Tuesday that India has never allowed the import of genetically modified (GM) products and will not do so in the future. Addressing students at Kirori Mal College in New Delhi, Goyal described both GM products and the dairy sector as very sensitive issues for the country.
According to The Hindu, Goyal stated that India has never opened its dairy sector in any Free Trade Agreement (FTA). He noted that the government seeks to protect farmers, fishermen, and MSMEs in trade pacts and has never compromised on sensitive items.
The Minister explained that religious sensitivities play a role in these decisions. He mentioned that while some foreign countries use calf meat or rennet, an enzyme used in cheese-making, India requires strict certification to ensure religious sensitivities are not hurt.
Goyal said the government's effort is to unlock new opportunities for competitive produce where MSMEs and agricultural farmers can benefit. He added that India seeks preferential market access for sectors including textiles, pharma, agricultural products, and gems and jewellery.
Regarding export targets, the Minister said India is aiming for $1 trillion worth of goods and services exports in 2026-27. During April-September 2026, exports reached approximately $480 billion, marking a 14 per cent increase year-on-year.