India Pushes Back on GM Crop Demands in Heated Trade Talks with US
Trade negotiations between India and the United States have hit a sensitive patch, with India strongly opposing US pressure to ease restrictions on genetically modified (GM) crops. The contentious issue has emerged as a key sticking point in otherwise advancing discussions on bilateral trade and agricultural cooperation.
🌾 The Core of the Dispute
The US has been lobbying for eased regulatory approval of GM seeds and food products, arguing that such reforms would:
Open up new trade opportunities
Lower food production costs
Promote agricultural innovation
However, India remains cautious. Government officials have cited concerns over food security, environmental risks, and farmer sovereignty.
“India’s agricultural biodiversity and farmer livelihoods are too important to be compromised by unproven or controversial biotechnology,” a top official said.
🧬 India's Stance on GM Crops
India currently allows limited use of GM crops, with Bt cotton being the only approved variety for commercial cultivation. The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) has been under pressure domestically to delay or reject GM mustard and GM rice trials, citing public opposition and legal challenges.
Recent protests by farmers’ unions and environmental groups have further complicated the matter.
💼 Trade Talks at a Crossroads
While India and the US have made progress on areas like:
Digital trade
Clean energy partnerships
Medical device pricing
the GM crop debate has the potential to delay the finalization of key trade agreements, particularly in the agri-tech and food processing sectors.
Analysts suggest that India’s refusal may lead to retaliatory demands or revised concessions in other sectors, such as technology transfers or tariffs on steel and pharma goods.
🇺🇸 Global Implications
As Washington pushes its pro-GMO agenda globally, India’s resistance is being closely watched by other developing economies. The outcome could set a precedent for global south nations negotiating trade deals with biotech-heavy Western economies.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the US demanding in the India trade talks?
A: The US wants India to ease restrictions on the import and cultivation of genetically modified (GM) crops as part of broader agricultural trade agreements.
Q2: Why is India resisting GM crop demands?
A: India is concerned about environmental risks, long-term food security, loss of native biodiversity, and socio-economic impacts on small farmers.
Q3: What GM crops does India currently allow?
A: Bt cotton is the only GM crop approved for commercial cultivation. GM mustard and rice remain under regulatory and legal review.
Q4: Will this dispute derail India-US trade talks?
A: While not a deal-breaker yet, the issue could delay or complicate trade outcomes, especially in agriculture, biotech, and related sectors.
Q5: What could be the global impact of India’s stance?
A: India’s position may influence other developing nations to resist similar pressures from larger economies promoting GMO adoption.
Follow us on social media: Facebook || Linkedin || Instagram
Reported by Benny on June 30, 2025.
🛡 Powered by Vizzve Financial
RBI-Registered Loan Partner | 10 Lakh+ Customers | ₹600 Cr+ Disbursed