Export Competitiveness of Indian Dairy Products in Asian Markets

India is the largest producer of milk globally, contributing nearly 24–25% of total world dairy output; however, its share in global dairy exports remains below 1%, indicating a significant gap between production capacity and export performance (Food and Agriculture Organization [FAO], 2024; National Dairy Development Board [NDDB], 2023). This study examines the export competitiveness of Indian dairy products in Asian markets, focusing on key determinants such as productivity, value addition, infrastructure, and trade barriers. Rapid urbanization, rising incomes, and changing consumption patterns in Asian countries such as Bangladesh, the United Arab Emirates, and Malaysia have increased demand for dairy products, creating potential export opportunities for India (United States Department of Agriculture [USDA], 2024). The study is based on a descriptive and analytical research design using secondary data collected from government reports, international databases, and academic literature. Comparative and trend analyses were used to evaluate India’s performance relative to leading dairy exporters such as the Netherlands. The findings reveal that despite high production levels, India’s dairy exports are limited due to high domestic consumption, low productivity, and insufficient value addition (Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, 2024). In contrast, countries like the Netherlands achieve higher export competitiveness through advanced processing, strong supply chains, and higher milk yield per animal, which is more than four times that of India (European Commission, 2023). The study concludes that India has significant untapped potential in Asian dairy markets but requires a strategic shift from a production-oriented approach to a value-driven export strategy. Enhancing productivity, investing in processing infrastructure, strengthening cold chain systems, and ensuring compliance with global quality standards are essential to improving competitiveness. By adopting these measures, India can strengthen its position in international dairy trade and expand its export footprint in Asia.