‘Cow fed meat and blood of another cow’: India draws red line on ‘non-veg milk’ in US trade talks

The proposed trade deal between India and the United States remains stalled, with New Delhi firm on its decision to not allow dairy imports from the US, reports said.

At the centre of the disagreement is India’s objection to what is being referred to as “non-veg milk” — milk from American cows that are fed animal-based products such as meat or blood.

This dietary practice, considered unacceptable by a large section of India’s population, has become a key sticking point in the ongoing trade negotiations.

India’s reluctance stems not just from dietary preferences but also religious sentiments. According to the 2023 World Atlas report, 38% of Indians follow a vegetarian diet. For many Hindus, milk and its byproducts like ghee hold religious significance and are used in rituals, making the idea of importing dairy from cows raised on animal remains culturally sensitive.

“Imagine eating butter made from the milk of a cow that was fed meat and blood from another cow. India may never allow that,” said Ajay Srivastava of the Global Trade Research Institute (GTRI), a New Delhi-based think tank, in remarks to PTI.

While talks between the two countries are still underway, India has reportedly drawn a “red line” on this issue, signalling that any deal involving American dairy products is unlikely without changes in sourcing practices.