India-US Trade

 India-US Trade: Recently, U.S. President proposed a major trade deal with India to boost American agricultural exports, but India has firmly set red lines to protect its farmers and agri-economy.

• India’s Red Lines : Corn: U.S. Demand: Import of genetically modified (GM) maize.

ü India’s Position: Permitted only for ethanol production, not for food or animal feed.

o Ethanol: U.S. Demand: Access to India’s fuel ethanol market.

ü India’s Position: Imports allowed only for non-fuel industrial use..

o Soyabean: U.S. Demand: Import of GM soyabean beans and de-oiled cakes (DOC).

ü India’s Position: Only GM soyabean oil is allowed; beans and DOC are restricted.

o Dairy: U.S. Demand: Open access to India’s dairy market.

ü India’s Position: Maintains high tariffs and requires ethical sourcing (no bovine remains in feed).

• India’s agri-trade red lines protect against GM crops, secure energy goals, shield farmer incomes, and preserve rural and cultural integrity.