“It was Tuesday, October 21, 2025, when Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was delivering a speech at the ‘Deepotsav to Rashtroutsav’ event in Gorakhpur, organized by the RSS. During his address, the Chief Minister made a controversial statement linking Halal and terrorism together. The nation knows well that in the politics of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Muslims and Islam often become instruments
As evident during the ongoing Bihar elections, the BJP appears to be deliberately fostering social polarization, with its political rhetoric once again revolving around Islam, Muslims, and Pakistan — weaving new layers of fabricated narratives into the campaign discourse.
For instance, BJP’s Union Minister for Textiles, Giriraj Singh, recently sparked outrage by calling Muslims ‘traitors to the salt they eat’ and by making controversial remarks through songs about the burqa. In the next phase of this political experiment, Yogi Adityanath has now linked the concept of Halal with terrorism — reactivating the same strategic laboratory of polarization, whose underlying motive appears to be the consolidation of electoral gains in Bihar.
However, a year and a half earlier, on November 18, 2023, the Uttar Pradesh government had already imposed an immediate ban on the production, storage, distribution, and sale of Halal-certified food products. This raises a pertinent question — was the renewed focus on this issue truly driven by concerns over social and national security, or is it merely another calculated move in the larger game of electoral politics?
Islamic and Religious Perspective: What Does ‘Halal’ Mean?
In Islam, the term “Halal” literally means “permissible” or “lawful.” It is not limited to food and beverages alone; rather, it extends to finance, ethics, trade, and broader lifestyle practices. For Muslim consumers, Halal certification represents a seal of trust — ensuring that a product adheres to Islamic principles and is prepared in accordance with Sharia guidelines.
As of 2023, approximately 5,000 companies in India had obtained Halal certification, covering a wide range of industries — from food and beverages to cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and various consumer goods.
Key Product Categories
- Meat and Poultry:
- Halal certification is particularly significant in the meat industry, as it guarantees that slaughtering and processing methods comply with Islamic dietary laws.
- Medicines and Nutritional Supplements:
- For these products, Halal certification ensures that all ingredients and manufacturing processes align with Islamic dietary and ethical standards.
- Cosmetics:
- Halal-certified cosmetics are formulated and produced in accordance with Islamic principles, ensuring that no prohibited substances are used.
- Other Consumer Goods:
- Beyond food and cosmetics, Halal certification also extends to lifestyle products — including textiles and clothing — that are produced following Islamic values and ethical norms.
Major Halal Certification Bodies
- Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind Halal Trust: This organization provides Halal certification for meat, poultry, dairy products, processed foods, nutritional supplements, and pharmaceuticals.
- Halal India Pvt. Ltd.: It certifies food and beverages, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and other consumer products as Halal-compliant.
- Halal Certification Services India Pvt. Ltd.: This body offers Halal certification services across various industrial sectors.
- Jamiat Ulama-e-Maharashtra: Operating primarily within the state of Maharashtra, this organization issues Halal certifications for regional producers and businesses.
The above list includes the names and official websites of India’s major Halal certification bodies. Readers can visit these links for detailed information and verification.
Status of Certification Bodies: Government or Private?
Private Sector Organizations:
Most Halal certification bodies in India operate in the private sector, including Halal India Pvt. Ltd., Halal Certification Services India Pvt. Ltd., and Jamiat Ulama-e-Maharashtra. These organizations provide certification across food, beverages, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and other consumer products.
Government Participation:
While India does not have a central government authority for Halal certification, the Quality Council of India (QCI) has established the India Conformity Assessment Scheme (i-CAS) – Halal, which streamlines the Halal certification process specifically for meat and meat products intended for export.
India’s Halal Certification at the International Level
Global Acceptance: Halal-certified products from India are recognized in several Muslim-majority countries, especially in the meat and meat-products sector.
Export Market: India’s Halal meat exports reached USD 4.4 billion in 2022, reflecting strong global demand.
Linking Halal to terrorism and religious conversion in statements by the Uttar Pradesh government is not only offensive to religious communities but also violates constitutionally guaranteed religious freedom. Such rhetoric could also negatively affect India’s position in the international Halal market.
India’s Halal Meat Exports: Key Countries and Contributions (2023–24)
India plays a significant role in the global Halal-certified product export market, particularly in meat. The table below highlights the major countries importing Indian Halal meat in 2023–24:
| Country | Export Shipments | Share of Total Exports (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Vietnam | 14,906 | 43% |
| Malaysia | 7,065 | 20% |
| Saudi Arabia | 2,843 | 8% |
| United Arab Emirates (UAE) | Data not available | Data not available |
| Qatar | Data not available | Data not available |
This structure preserves all facts, numbers, and context from your original Hindi section, while keeping the tone polished, professional, and suitable for publication.
Export of Other Halal-Certified Products from India: Key Countries and Contributions
In addition to meat, India exports a wide range of Halal-certified products, including dairy, spices, tea, coffee, and bakery items. The table below highlights the major export destinations and their contributions for 2023–24:
| Product Category | Major Export Countries (2023–24) | Export Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Halal Meat | Vietnam, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar | Over 70% |
| Dairy Products | Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE, Oman, Bahrain | Over 60% |
| Spices | UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Thailand, Malaysia | Over 60% |
| Tea | UAE, Iraq, Iran, Russia, UK, USA | 20–40% |
| Coffee | Italy, Belgium, Russia, USA | 10–20% |
| Bakery Products | USA, UAE, UK, Canada, Yemen | 10–20% |
Key Points
- Halal Meat: India’s Halal meat exports are primarily directed to Vietnam, Malaysia, and Saudi Arabia, highlighting India’s significant share in the global Halal meat market.
- Dairy Products: Demand for Indian dairy products has increased in countries like Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, particularly for skimmed milk, evaporated and condensed milk, yogurt, and paneer.
- Spices: India remains a leading producer and exporter of spices, with strong demand in UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Bangladesh.
- Tea: India is the second-largest exporter of tea globally, with growing consumption in UAE, Iraq, Iran, Russia, and the UK.
- Coffee: Countries like Italy, Belgium, and Russia are key destinations for Indian coffee exports, which reached $1.8 billion in 2023–24.
- Bakery Products: Indian bakery products are exported to the USA, UAE, and the UK, totaling $86 million in 2023.
For readers seeking detailed information on a specific product category or country, the author can provide updates through new blog posts or newsletters.
Constitutional and Legal Perspective: Violation of Religious Freedom?
Article 25 of the Indian Constitution guarantees religious freedom, granting every citizen the right to practice, profess, and propagate their religion. The ban on Halal certification imposed on November 18, 2023 constituted a restriction on this fundamental right
Additionally, freedom of trade and commerce (Article 19) is affected, as businesses relying on Halal certification face potential economic losses. The ban has been legally challenged, and the Supreme Court issued an interim order, halting punitive actions for the time being.
Social and Economic Impact: Effect on Business and Society
The ban directly impacts businesses connected to Halal certification, including meat, processed foods, and cosmetics industries. Since Halal certification is essential for exports, the restriction could also affect India’s international trade.
Socially, the decision has created a sense of insecurity within the Muslim community and may exacerbate divisions along religious lines.
Political Perspective: Electoral Strategy or Social Security?
Opposition parties and Muslim organizations argue that the “Halal ban” was deliberately raised during the Bihar Assembly elections to appeal to the majority vote bank. This move appears to be a strategy aimed at fostering religious polarization for electoral advantage.
The issue has sparked heated debates in the media, further fueling social disagreement and tension.
Conclusion: Halal Ban — Security or Politics?
The Halal ban has transcended the realm of dietary regulation, evolving into a political strategy. It raises serious concerns regarding religious freedom, constitutional rights, and social harmony. It is essential to recognize that Halal certification is not merely a religious practice — it is a symbol of trust and identity for the Muslim community.
