India and the United States are currently discussing trade deals, and one big topic is America’s demand to sell more dairy products in India. But India is standing firm, saying no to a type of milk called “non-veg milk,” which is milk produced from cows fed with animal-based feed. Here’s what’s going on and why it matters.
What Is “Non-Veg Milk”?
In the U.S., many dairy cows are fed with a special kind of feed called “blood meal.” This feed is made from dried blood and other parts of animals like fish, chicken, and even sometimes dog and cat meat. Feeding cows this helps them gain weight faster and produce more milk.
This kind of milk is called “non-veg milk” because the cows eat animal products. For many people in India, especially those who follow cultural and religious beliefs, milk from such cows is not acceptable.
Dairy farming is a huge part of India’s rural economy. Millions of small farmers depend on it for their income. India is also the largest milk producer in the world, with nearly 239 million tons produced last year.
If India allows American dairy products in freely, local farmers may lose business because imported milk could be cheaper. Experts say this could lower milk prices by at least 15% and cause a loss of about 1 trillion Indian rupees annually for Indian farmers.
To protect its dairy farmers, India has put high import taxes on cheese, butter, and powdered milk. These taxes make foreign dairy products more expensive in India, helping local farmers compete.
The U.S. wants India to open its market and reduce tariffs on American dairy products. America sees this as a way to reduce the big trade gap it has with India, which is worth around 45 billion dollars.
The U.S. calls India’s strict rules “unnecessary trade barriers” and is pushing for easier access to Indian markets.
This issue isn’t only about business. It also touches on culture and beliefs. For many Indians, milk isn’t just food — it’s sacred. So, India wants to protect both its farmers and its traditions.
The talks between the two countries will need to balance trade benefits with cultural respect and economic security for farmers.
