India Keeps Agriculture & Dairy Out of FTAs to Protect Farmers
India has recently signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with New Zealand, following earlier pacts with Australia, the UK, the UAE, Oman and the European Free Trade Association, while deliberately excluding agriculture and dairy from these deals to safeguard domestic producers. The strategy reflects India’s cautious approach after withdrawing from the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership…
FTA Spurs Value-Added Dairy Export Paths, Says Prem Maan
In the wake of the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA), industry voices from New Zealand’s dairy sector are pointing to emerging opportunities for value-added exports, even as traditional bulk dairy access remains limited. Prem Maan, a senior industry analyst, said the pact’s structure — though not granting direct tariff cuts for core dairy imports…
India–NZ FTA Lets Dairy Be Processed Here, Not Sold Locally
The recently announced India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) has clarified a key concern for India’s dairy sector: while tariff concessions and broader trade cooperation have been agreed upon, India has ruled out opening its domestic dairy market to direct imports from New Zealand. Consumer Affairs & Food Minister Piyush Goyal emphasized that the pact…
India–Russia eye big dairy & seafood trade push
India and Russia have initiated talks to deepen bilateral trade in dairy, meat and fisheries — a move that could reshape export-demand and significantly impact India’s dairy sector. At a recent meeting in New Delhi, India’s Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying met his Russian counterpart to discuss easing market-access restrictions, fast-tracking registration of…
India sticks to dairy, MSME safeguards in NZ trade talks
In a clear signal to the dairy sector, India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said that the country will not compromise on the interests of its dairy farmers and MSMEs while negotiating trade agreements — following his meeting with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and counterpart Todd McClay. India and New Zealand are…
US offers access for premium cheese, not milk, in India trade talks
In recent trade discussions between India and the US, Washington has softened its demand to open dairy trade, clarifying that it is primarily interested in exporting premium cheeses and not competing in India’s mass-market milk or yogurt sector. US officials said that exporting bulk milk or yogurt doesn’t make commercial sense due to logistical costs…
Don’t Trade India’s Dairy for a Deal with the U.S
Today I was invited to a panel discussion on the India-US Trade Deal, organised by Bharat Krishak Samaj. The session was opened by Ajay Vir Jakhar, who, referring to the pre-decided title of the program, jokingly asked, “What should we call this program now—India-US No Deal?” The hall erupted in laughter, instantly setting the tone…
India-NZ FTA Talks Stalled Over Dairy Market Access
Negotiations for a Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and New Zealand are currently impeded by concerns over opening India’s dairy market to New Zealand’s exports. New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Winston Peters, emphasized the significance of dairy in the trade talks during his recent visit to India. He acknowledged the…
Global Dairy Subsidies: Inequality and Sustainability Rhetoric
Recently, India has successfully concluded a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United Kingdom, and negotiations with New Zealand have commenced. In contrast, the United States continues to engage in tariff politics with numerous countries worldwide. Throughout these negotiations, the Indian government and the Prime Minister have consistently taken a firm stance against opening sensitive…
India-UK FTA Excludes Duty Concessions on British Dairy Imports
India and the United Kingdom have finalized a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) after negotiations that began in January 2022. A significant aspect of this agreement is India’s decision to exclude import duty concessions on sensitive agricultural products, notably dairy items such as milk, cheese, and apples. This move aligns with India’s consistent policy to protect…