India Maintains Red Line on GM Soybean and Maize Imports

04-Feb-2026 08:59 PM

New Delhi. The Union Commerce Minister has stated that India has maintained its "red line" on the issue of importing genetically modified (GM) maize and soybeans as part of the trade agreement with the United States.

No concessions have been given to the US in sensitive sectors like agriculture and dairy. It is understood that the US, understanding India's constraints, has also reduced its pressure on this issue, although it may have been given some concessions in the case of apples and dry fruits (nuts). This has not yet been officially confirmed.

The US is well aware that the production, import, trade, and use of GM food crops are completely banned in India, and lifting this ban is not easy.

India has already made it clear that there will be no compromise on other GM crops. The red line drawn for this has not been crossed by either country, at least according to the claims of the Union Commerce Minister.

However, it is being speculated that the US has been given similar concessions on products for which tariff reductions or eliminations were agreed upon under the trade agreement with the European Union. This also remains to be confirmed. The reality will gradually become clear.