New Delhi, April 27: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday championed India's rapidly expanding dairy sector, revealing that two Indian cheese brands clinched prestigious honours at an international cheese competition held in Brazil — a milestone he described as proof that India's taste and food traditions are now commanding global respect. Speaking during his monthly radio address 'Mann Ki Baat', the Prime Minister said value addition in the dairy industry is transforming age-old Indian flavours into globally competitive products.

Indian Cheese Wins at International Stage

PM Modi opened his remarks on the dairy sector by noting that Indian food traditions have always been rooted in something deeper than mere taste. He cited the recent international recognition as a defining moment for the sector. "Two Indian cheese brands received prestigious awards at an international cheese competition held in Brazil," he said, adding that the achievement generated significant buzz across social media platforms.

The Prime Minister acknowledged public enthusiasm around the topic, noting that many citizens had urged him to spotlight the rich diversity of cheese varieties found across India. This recognition, he argued, is not an isolated event but part of a larger, structural transformation underway in India's dairy industry.

Spotlight on India's Unique Regional Cheese Varieties

PM Modi took the opportunity to educate listeners about several lesser-known but culturally significant cheeses produced across the country. He began with Kalari cheese from Jammu and Kashmir, widely regarded as the "Mozzarella of Kashmir." This traditional cheese has been crafted for generations by the Gujjar-Bakarwal community and is now gaining recognition beyond the region.

He also highlighted Chhurpi, a hard cheese made from yak milk, indigenous to the high-altitude regions of Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and Ladakh. "The simplicity and softness of the mountains are reflected in its taste," he remarked, underlining the deep geographical and cultural identity embedded in the product.

Additionally, the Prime Minister drew attention to Topli Nu Paneer — also called Surti Cheese — a traditional variety originating from Maharashtra and Gujarat, further illustrating the geographical breadth of India's cheese-making heritage.

Dairy Sector Transformation: Technology, Packaging and Global Standards

Beyond cultural pride, PM Modi pointed to concrete structural changes driving the dairy sector's international ascent. "Many Indian companies are investing in this field. Modern technology is emerging, packaging is improving, and our products are meeting world standards," he said. As a result, Indian cheese is now reaching global markets and international restaurants, crossing national borders in a way that was unthinkable even a decade ago.

This transformation aligns with the broader 'Vocal for Local' and 'Local to Global' policy frameworks championed by the Modi government since 2020, which have sought to position Indian artisanal and agricultural products as premium exports. India is already the world's largest milk producer, contributing over 23% of global milk output according to government data — yet its share in the global dairy export market has historically remained disproportionately small, making this shift strategically significant.

Broader Implications for India's Dairy Export Economy

The global cheese market is valued at over USD 130 billion and is projected to grow steadily through 2030. India's entry into premium cheese segments — backed by GI-tagged regional varieties and improved cold-chain infrastructure — could open significant revenue streams for rural dairy farmers, particularly in border states like Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh, where traditional cheese-making communities have long operated outside formal economic frameworks.

Notably, the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and state cooperative networks have been gradually scaling up support for value-added dairy products. The international award wins in Brazil lend credibility to these efforts and could accelerate foreign buyer interest in Indian artisanal cheese exports.

PM Modi's Vision: From Local Flavours to Global Tables

PM Modi concluded his remarks with a forward-looking vision: "I am confident that India's taste, tradition, and quality will provide a new experience to the people of the world and create a new connection with India." He framed the journey of Indian cheese as a template for how other traditional Indian products can be repositioned for global audiences without losing their cultural authenticity.

As India's G20 presidency legacy continues to spotlight the country's soft power, the dairy sector's global emergence adds another dimension to India's cultural diplomacy. With upcoming international food expos and growing Indian diaspora demand worldwide, the momentum behind Indian cheese on the global stage is expected to accelerate through 2025 and beyond.