India Will Not Allow Imports of GM Products in Future, Says Piyush Goyal

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Tuesday said India has never permitted the import of genetically modified (GM) products and will not allow them in the future, describing the issue as highly sensitive.

Addressing students at Kirori Mal College here, Goyal said the government remains committed to protecting sensitive sectors, including agriculture, dairy and marine products, while negotiating free trade agreements (FTAs).

He said India has never granted duty concessions to any country in the dairy sector under its trade agreements, stressing that the government is mindful of the country's religious and cultural sensitivities.

Goyal also pointed out that dairy products manufactured in some foreign countries use calf-derived rennet, an enzyme traditionally obtained from the stomach lining of young calves and used in cheese-making. Such products must meet India's certification requirements to ensure that religious sentiments are not hurt, he said.

The minister asserted that India has never compromised on sensitive items in the trade agreements it has finalised, adding that the government's priority is to safeguard the interests of farmers, fishermen and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

At the same time, India is seeking preferential market access for sectors where it enjoys competitive advantages, including textiles, pharmaceuticals, agricultural products, and gems and jewellery.

Goyal said the objective is to secure lower import duties for Indian goods compared with competing countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, China and the Philippines.

On employment, he said the government is promoting domestic manufacturing and creating more opportunities for regular employment. However, he also urged young people to explore entrepreneurship and startups, noting that the changing global economy is opening up new avenues for business and innovation.