After years of communal hullabaloo, India embraces the lucrative $3.9 billion halal market with new certification standards for export
Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
NEW DELHI — In a significant policy shift, the Narendra Modi government has decided to begin exporting halal-certified meat and meat products to 15 Muslim-majority countries, starting from October 16. The move sparks considerable interest and debate as it highlights a contrast to the contentious domestic discourse surrounding halal certification in recent years. Once a topic of political and social controversy, where Muslims were often criticised or targeted for their preference for halal products, the Indian government is now actively facilitating the export of these very goods on an international scale.
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) issued a notification outlining new guidelines and conditions under which halal meat exports will be permitted. These products must comply with the ‘India Conformity Assessment Scheme (I-CAS) Halal’ certification, overseen by the Quality Council of India (QCI), and are earmarked for export to a wide range of Muslim-majority nations.
The 15 countries identified by the DGFT for halal meat exports include Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Jordan, Oman, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Turkey, and the UAE. These nations represent key markets for halal products, given their significant Muslim populations and high demand for halal-certified meat.
In the DGFT’s notification, it was made clear that once the export consignment reaches the buyer in these countries, the exporter will need to provide a valid halal certification issued under the I-CAS halal scheme. The policy change is expected to enhance the credibility of Indian halal products in the global market, which is projected to grow exponentially in the coming years.
The decision to regulate and streamline the export of halal meat products comes after years of heated debates and controversies surrounding halal certification in India. In the past, Muslims were often maligned or criminalised for their insistence on halal products, with right-wing groups accusing them of engaging in practices that were deemed ‘exclusive’ and divisive. Hindu right-wing organisations and fringe groups frequently campaigned against halal products, alleging that they discriminated against non-Muslim communities and that the process of halal slaughter was inhumane. These arguments often fuelled communal tensions, leading to a boycott of halal products in certain regions.
However, despite the political noise, the halal industry in India has been growing steadily, driven by the country’s large Muslim population and increasing demand for halal food across the globe. According to market estimates, the global halal food market reached a value of $1,978 billion in 2021 and is expected to nearly double to $3,907.7 billion by 2027. This booming market is not only confined to Muslim-majority countries but also extends to non-Muslim consumers who perceive halal food as healthier and safer due to its rigorous preparation standards.
The irony in the government’s new policy is hard to ignore. For years, Muslims in India were often painted as criminals or ‘othered’ for their preference for halal-certified products, particularly in the meat industry. Hindutva groups, in various instances, raised alarm over the spread of halal certification, calling it a form of “economic jihad” that sought to establish dominance over non-Muslims by creating a parallel economy. In the wake of these tensions, Muslim-owned businesses faced boycotts and attacks, while the community was increasingly targeted in campaigns questioning the legitimacy of halal practices.
Yet, the economic potential of the halal market cannot be overstated. The decision to export halal-certified products to 15 countries underscores the government’s recognition of the lucrative opportunities in the international halal industry. This move highlights the government’s pragmatic shift, acknowledging that while halal certification may be controversial within India’s political arena, it represents a significant commercial avenue globally.
Critics argue that the government’s decision is contradictory, as it seeks to promote halal meat exports for financial gain while failing to address the discrimination faced by Muslims in the country over halal consumption. “The government’s policy to export halal meat internationally while allowing fringe elements to demonise it domestically is sheer hypocrisy,” said a Delhi-based political commentator. “On one hand, they are pushing for halal exports, and on the other, they allow communal narratives that vilify the Muslim community over halal preferences.”
The Indian government’s engagement with the global halal industry represents a balancing act between economic interests and the need to maintain communal harmony at home. The new halal certification guidelines under the I-CAS halal scheme aim to ensure that Indian exports meet the highest international standards, thereby opening new markets for the country’s meat industry. At the same time, the decision could be viewed as a way for the government to send a message to international stakeholders that India is willing to adhere to global practices, even in the face of domestic opposition.
India’s large and growing Muslim population, which contributes significantly to the domestic halal market, is also a vital part of this equation. Halal-based entrepreneurship holds immense potential in the country, especially with changing consumer perceptions. Halal is no longer viewed exclusively as a religious requirement for Muslims, but also as a quality standard that appeals to a broader section of consumers, including non-Muslims.
However, the government’s stance on this issue will need to address the contradictions in its domestic and international policies. While the focus on boosting exports is commendable, efforts to counter the stigmatisation of halal products and those who consume them within India will be crucial for fostering unity and economic growth.
The decision to export halal meat to 15 Muslim-majority countries marks a critical juncture in India’s economic and political landscape. It signals the government’s acknowledgment of the global demand for halal products and its intent to tap into the billion-dollar market. Yet, the domestic treatment of halal products, and the Muslim community’s reliance on them, remains mired in controversy.
This move could be a turning point in how India approaches religious and economic diversity. Still, without addressing the communal rhetoric that has surrounded halal products in recent years, the government risks undermining the very economic gains it seeks to achieve. The future of India’s halal industry will depend not just on its international success, but on how it reconciles the contradictions in its domestic policies and fosters an inclusive environment for all its citizens.
