India considering importing non-GMO soybeans and corn from U.S.

India is reportedly considering importing non-genetically modified soybeans and corn from the U.S. as part of an impending mini trade deal, according to Ramesh Chand, a member of India’s premier public policy think tank, Niti Aayog.

“I believe India would’ve probably agreed to import soybean and corn from the U.S. in the mini-deal, if it is not genetically modified,” Chand said. While he isn’t personally against GM crops, he explained, a large portion of farmers are against it, making negotiations difficult.

The U.S. is one of the world’s largest exporters of soybeans and corn, and more than 90% of those crops produced in the country are GMO varieties. Chand noted that in India, there is a huge sensitivity to GMO crops, and the majority of people there do not want GMO food.

New Delhi hasn’t granted approval for the commercial cultivation of any GMO crops since the nod to the commercial cultivation of BT cotton in 2002. Commercial cultivation of GMO food crops continues to be banned in India.

Source: Financial Express

https://www.financialexpress.com/policy/economy/india-may-have-agreed-to-import-non-gm-soybean-amp-corn-from-usnbspniti-aayog-member/3908787/

Organic & Non-GMO Insights August 2025