India Considering Approval for Import of Non-GM Corn and Soybeans from the U.S.

14-Jul-2025 05:33 PM

New Delhi: As part of ongoing bilateral trade negotiations between India and the United States, the Indian government is seriously considering a longstanding U.S. request to grant market access for American corn (maize) and soybean in India. Reportedly, the government may allow the import of traditional or non-genetically modified (non-GM) varieties of corn and soybeans from the U.S., but certifying the purity of such consignments poses a significant challenge.

In the U.S., approximately 80–90% of corn and soybean production is genetically modified (GM). Ensuring the import of purely non-GM produce would not be easy, and would require a strict and complex certification process. India would need to mandate guarantees from the U.S. authorities that only non-GM crops are shipped to India.

However, it appears the U.S. administration may not be very keen on committing to such assurances. This is primarily because segregating non-GM produce from GM varieties is difficult in the U.S., where there are no specific regions dedicated exclusively to non-GM crop cultivation.

Non-GM corn and soybean production in the U.S. is estimated to be just 10–15% of total output, making sourcing and certification cumbersome. Although India has some time to finalize internal agreements on this matter, progress may remain stalled unless both sides are willing to make concessions. If India seeks greater access or trade benefits from the U.S., it may also have to offer reciprocal benefits.

The U.S. is the world’s largest producer and exporter of corn and ranks second after Brazil in soybean production and exports. Indian officials are also wary that if GM crops are imported disguised as non-GM, it could spark domestic controversy and political backlash.

Without a firm guarantee from the U.S. on supplying strictly non-GM products, it may be difficult for the Indian government to take a final decision on the matter.