The cow is fundamentally integral to the Bharatiya way of life, supporting rural livelihoods and accounting for a significant portion of the country’s GDP and rural employment. The successful Amul cooperative model ensures that these small farmers receive a fair share of consumer prices, which is notably higher than in Western economies, thus empowering rural communities, particularly women. Beyond economics, the cow holds a deep cultural and psychological significance, influencing everything from diets and festivals to policies that protect them from slaughter, roots that are inextricably linked to national identity.

A critical layer in this trade standoff is the unique, value-added proposition of indigenous cow breeds. These breeds produce A2 beta-casein milk protein, which is far easier to digest and less associated with gastrointestinal discomfort than the A1 protein found in foreign breeds like Jersey and Holstein Friesian. Furthermore, indigenous milk is rich in a bioactive composition—including 6 vitamins, 8 proteins, 25 minerals, and carotene—and is linked to improved human health outcomes, offering a qualitative advantage over imported dairy.

The US pressure to gain market access is met by India’s concerns over potential public health and safety risks, specifically the use of growth hormones and Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in US dairy production, both of which are banned in India. The current market protection is vital to the small-scale nature of India’s dairy economy, which contributes nearly one-third of the world’s milk production. Historically, the protection of cows has been an issue central to national politics, with policies from Mughal ruler Akbar to Article 48 of the post-independence Constitution reflecting this delicate balance.