Strategic Policy Change: India Set to Launch Halal Meat Exports to 15 Muslim Countries

In a significant policy shift, the Narendra Modi government has announced plans to export halal-certified meat to 15 Muslim-majority countries starting October 16, Clarion India reported yesterday.

This move marks a stark contrast to the contentious domestic discourse surrounding halal certification, which has often seen Muslims criticized for their preferences.

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has issued new guidelines mandating compliance with the ‘India Conformity Assessment Scheme (I-CAS) Halal’ certification, overseen by the Quality Council of India. The identified countries for export include Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia, tapping into a lucrative global halal market projected to grow from $1,978 billion in 2021 to nearly $3,908 billion by 2027.

Despite this economic opportunity, critics argue that the government’s decision is hypocritical, promoting halal exports while allowing discrimination against halal consumers domestically. Right-wing groups have historically targeted halal practices, fueling communal tensions.

As India seeks to enhance its presence in the international halal industry, the government faces the challenge of addressing the contradictions in its policies to foster unity and economic growth within its diverse population.