India will not allow import of GM products in future: Goyal
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal stated that the country has never permitted genetically modified imports and will continue this stance.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Tuesday that India has never allowed the import of any genetically modified (GM) products and will not do so in the future. Speaking to students at Kirori Mal College in New Delhi, Goyal described the matter as a "very sensitive" issue.
According to BusinessLine, Goyal also noted that the dairy sector is sensitive and that India has never provided duty concessions in any free trade agreement for this sector. He stated that the country has not opened up dairy for anyone to date.
The minister explained that India is sensitive to religious sentiments, noting that some foreign countries use calf meat or rennet, an enzyme traditionally obtained from the stomach lining of young calves, in dairy production. He said India does not allow this and requires strict certification to ensure religious sensitivities are not hurt.
Goyal added that in finalised trade pacts, the country has never compromised on sensitive items as it aims to protect farmers, fishermen, and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). He said the effort is to unlock new opportunities for competitive produce to benefit these groups.
The minister said India seeks preferential market access for sectors including textiles, pharma, agricultural products, and gems and jewellery. He noted the goal is to secure preferential rates over competing nations such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, China, and the Philippines.
Regarding employment, Goyal said the government is promoting manufacturing and regular employment opportunities. He also urged students to consider the opportunities being offered by the world of entrepreneurship and startups.