Timeline: India–U.S. Agri Trade Negotiations (Focus: Dairy & GM Crops)
🗓️ Pre-2020
Background:
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India maintains strict GMO import restrictions.
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The dairy sector is protected under livelihood concerns.
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U.S. seeks greater access to Indian agri markets, especially for processed foods and animal products.
🛡️ India's Stand:
“Food safety and rural livelihood > market access.”
🗓️ 2020–2022
Donald Trump Era & Early Biden Period
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Talks on a mini trade deal included dairy and GM crops.
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India resisted due to strong farmers’ backlash and Swadeshi sentiment.
🚩 Outcome:
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Talks stalled over sensitive sectors.
🗓️ April 2024
GM Soyabean & Corn: Flashpoint Identified
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The Hindu BusinessLine reports GM soyabean and corn becoming core concerns in negotiations.
🧬 U.S. Push:
“GM crops are safe and high-yielding.”
🛑 India Pushback:
“Not acceptable under current biosafety laws.”
🗓️ May–June 2024
Dairy Sensitivity Flagged by India
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India formally insists that dairy be excluded from BTA.
🐄 Argument:
“Dairy is linked to women, rural poor, and daily nutrition.”
🤝 U.S. Signals Willingness to drop dairy from the agenda.
🗓️ July 2025
U.S. Still Insists on GM Crops
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Despite dairy exclusion, U.S. strongly presses India to allow GM soyabean and corn.
🌽 Why?
Falling exports to China → U.S. needs India as a new buyer base.
📉 Indian concern:
Lack of consumer demand + biosafety risk + farmer resistance.
📍 Present Status – July 2025
✅ Dairy is likely excluded
❌ GM soyabean and corn remain unresolved
🤝 India is open to negotiating on fruits, nuts, and vegetables
⚖️ Balance needed between Bharat’s farmers and global pressures
🏛️ What’s Next?
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High-level discussions are expected before the end of 2025.
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India to consult GEAC, FSSAI, and farmer bodies.
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Possible sector-wise agreements instead of a full BTA.
🌟 Suryavanshi Wisdom:
"Trade is not surrender — it is strategy. And Bharat’s soul is not for sale." 🇮🇳
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