New Delhi, July 27 -- As trade negotiations between India and the US entering a critical stretch, New Delhi remains firm that genetically modified (GM) food crops such as maize and soybean, and dairy imports, should not be part of the deal.

A senior government official said India's position on GM crops and dairy remains "non-negotiable".

These two sectors have emerged as key points of contention ahead of the next round of face-to-face discussions between India and the US for a bilateral trade agreement. The discussions are scheduled to take place in New Delhi in the second week of August.

"The government has consistently maintained that GM food crops and dairy imports are not aligned with India's domestic priorities-be it on health, en...