New Delhi, July 15: As India and the United States push to finalize a long-pending trade agreement, one unexpected issue has emerged as a major stumbling block - milk. More specifically, the Indian government’s firm stand against importing what it refers to as “non-vegetarian milk” has created friction in negotiations that otherwise seemed to be moving toward a resolution.

At the heart of the dispute lies India’s demand for strict certification protocols that ensure imported dairy products come from cows not fed any animal-based feed such as blood meal, fishmeal, poultry by-products, or even poultry litter. This request, which the U.S. sees as unusually rigid, stems from India’s deep-rooted religious and cultural sensitivities, particularly among the Hindu majority, which holds the cow as sacred and largely considers milk to be a vegetarian product.

While American dairy farmers use a variety of feed supplements, many of them derived from animal sources, India’s standards are shaped by public sentiment and spiritual beliefs. For India, this isn’t just about health or nutrition; it’s about respecting traditions and ensuring that products on store shelves are acceptable to the cultural values of its vast consumer base.

Officials in New Delhi have described this dairy-related clause as a “non-negotiable red line.” In effect, India is unwilling to open its dairy market unless the U.S. agrees to a certification system verifying the vegetarian status of the milk production process. American negotiators, on the other hand, argue that such a demand imposes unscientific barriers to trade and may violate principles of non-discrimination under World Trade Organization (WTO) norms.

This isn’t the first time dairy has threatened to sour trade talks. Back in 2019, India rejected American dairy imports over the same concern, insisting that milk be certified as originating from cows fed exclusively vegetarian diets. Talks eventually stalled, and while both sides have since resumed broader discussions on trade, the dairy issue continues to be a sticking point.

The U.S. dairy industry is lobbying hard for access to India’s vast and growing market, the largest dairy-consuming nation in the world. However, India remains one of the most protected dairy markets globally. Domestic cooperatives, such as Amul and Mother Dairy, wield significant influence, and any influx of foreign dairy products especially those that don’t meet local ethical and religious standards could trigger political backlash.

Trade experts say the disagreement underscores the broader challenge of aligning global trade norms with local customs. “This is not about tariffs or subsidies - it’s about values. India sees milk not just as food but as a symbol of purity,” said a senior trade analyst in Delhi.

While both nations are keen to bolster economic ties, especially in the face of shifting global alliances and supply chains, the dairy standoff highlights how even seemingly minor sectors can hold up billion-dollar agreements.

As talks continue, it remains to be seen whether the two sides can find a middle ground, perhaps through a voluntary certification or labeling mechanism or if this “non-veg milk” issue will continue to curdle progress.