by Editor | Jul 5, 2025 | Business, Lifestyle
Maeeshat News Network | Mumbai
Mumbra, a densely populated suburb of Thane, Maharashtra, within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, has long been a hub for affordable housing, attracting working-class families and migrants, particularly after the 1992 Mumbai riots, which saw a significant influx of Muslim residents. With an estimated population of 12 lakh, 80% of whom are Muslim, Mumbra’s rapid urbanization since the 1970s has been marred by rampant illegal constructions. These unauthorized structures, often built hastily on encroached land, have led to tragic building collapses, raising concerns about whether Mumbra is becoming a graveyard due to lax regulation, land mafia activities, and systemic failures.
The Scale of Illegal Constructions in Mumbra
Mumbra’s transformation from agricultural land to a sprawling urban center began in the 1970s, driven by Mumbai’s population boom and limited affordable housing. By 2013, Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) reported 218 of over 400 illegal structures within its limits were in Mumbra alone, with the entire Thane district housing around 4.9 lakh illegal buildings, including 2 lakh in Thane city. Real estate analysts estimate that 2 lakh of the 2.79 lakh homes across Thane, Kalwa, and Mumbra-Diva are unauthorized, with 40% of the region’s 18 lakh population living in slums or illegal structures. The 2013 Mumbra building collapse, which killed 74 people, highlighted the dangers of this unchecked construction boom, with the collapsed seven-story building erected in just two months on marshland without TMC approval.
The problem persists into 2025. In June, the Bombay High Court ordered the demolition of 17 illegal buildings in Mumbra’s Khan Compound, built on a 5.5-acre plot owned by a senior citizen, Subhadra Takle, and encroached by the land mafia. The court described the situation as “shocking,” noting that such constructions could only occur with the complicity of municipal and government officials. Residents, many from low-income groups, protested, citing the lack of prior notice and alternative shelter, especially during the monsoon. Despite these demolitions, posts on X in 2025 suggest that at least 100 illegal buildings remain under construction in Mumbra, indicating the scale of the ongoing challenge.
Causes of the Crisis
The proliferation of illegal constructions in Mumbra stems from multiple factors:
Population Pressure and Housing Demand: Mumbra’s population surged from 44,000 in 1991 to several lakhs by 2013, driven by migration from Mumbai’s unaffordable housing market and the 1992 riots, which displaced many Muslims to Mumbra. The demand for cheap housing led to a boom in low-cost, unauthorized buildings sold at rates as low as ₹1,100 per square foot, often on encroached forest, marsh, or nullah land.
Land Mafia and Rapid Construction: The land mafia exploits Mumbra’s housing crunch by filling marshlands with debris and erecting multi-story buildings in months, bypassing construction laws. The 2013 collapse involved a building on a covered nullah, completed in just two months. Such speed evades regulatory oversight, as builders sell flats quickly to create third-party interests, making demolitions politically and legally contentious.
Official Complicity: The Bombay High Court has repeatedly criticized TMC officials for enabling illegal constructions. In 2025, the court suspended Assistant Municipal Commissioner Faruk Shaikh for failing to act against unauthorized structures. The 2013 Nandalal Committee probe exposed a builder-politician-official nexus, yet the “rot persists,” with officials allegedly turning a blind eye for bribes.
Weak Enforcement: Despite a 2005 Government Resolution mandating satellite imaging to detect illegal constructions every six months, enforcement remains lax. The Bombay High Court in 2025 noted that strict implementation of the 2009 GR could have prevented the current crisis. TMC’s claim of 3,000 annual demolitions under Commissioner RA Rajeev in 2013 contrasts with the continued rise of illegal structures, suggesting selective action.
Consequences: A Graveyard in the Making?
The term “graveyard” captures the deadly toll of Mumbra’s illegal constructions. The 2013 collapse, which killed 74, was not an isolated incident. Over 150 people have died in building collapses in Thane due to substandard, unauthorized structures lacking basic infrastructure like lifts, proper roads, or sanitation. In 2025, residents of Khan Compound, like Mohd Irfan Ansari, who lost homes purchased with life savings, expressed anguish over being misled by seemingly legitimate documents and utilities like power connections. The lack of proper roads, streetlights, and sanitation in areas like Shil Daighar exacerbates living conditions, turning Mumbra into a precarious urban sprawl.
The human cost is profound. Families, including schoolchildren, are left homeless during demolitions, as seen in the 2025 Khan Compound protests. Residents like Sakina Khan, who sold farmland for a flat, face ruin without rehabilitation. The psychological toll on low-income families, many of whom are daily-wage workers commuting to Mumbai, is immense, compounded by the lack of accountability for builders and officials.
Efforts to Address the Crisis
The TMC and judiciary have taken steps, though challenges remain:
Demolition Drives: In 2016, TMC demolished 1,946 illegal structures over two days in Mumbra, clearing roads and markets. In 2025, 88 structures were razed across Thane wards between June 19-25, including in Mumbra, following High Court orders. These actions aim to ease traffic and restore public spaces but face resident backlash over inadequate notice and rehabilitation.
Judicial Intervention: The Bombay High Court’s 2025 rulings mandated surveys of illegal structures, judicial inquiries into official complicity, and the use of GIS technology to monitor constructions. The court’s directive for project detail displays with QR codes aims to prevent fraud by informing buyers of a building’s legality.
Cluster Development Scheme: In 2017, TMC proposed a cluster development scheme to provide free 300-square-foot homes to residents of dangerous and illegal buildings in Mumbra, Naupada, and Wagle Estate. Approved by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, the scheme aims to create 1.25 lakh homes, but its implementation remains slow.
Mumbra’s illegal construction crisis is a complex interplay of demand, corruption, and weak governance. While demolitions address immediate risks, they displace vulnerable families without tackling root causes. The Bombay High Court’s push for technology and accountability is promising, but sustained enforcement, transparent land records, and affordable housing policies are critical to prevent Mumbra from becoming a literal and metaphorical graveyard. Until officials, builders, and the land mafia face stringent consequences, the cycle of illegal constructions will persist, endangering lives and dreams.
by Editor | Jul 5, 2025 | Business, Corporate
Maeeshat News Network | Mumbai
Baba Ramdev, a yoga guru turned business magnate, has been a polarizing figure in India, leveraging his Patanjali Ayurved empire to influence both markets and public discourse. While his affordable Ayurvedic products and yoga advocacy have won millions of followers, his controversial statements targeting Muslim businesses and minorities, particularly Muslims, have sparked widespread criticism. In 2025, Ramdev’s remarks, such as labeling the sale of Hamdard’s Rooh Afza as “sharbat jihad,” have intensified debates about his motives and their impact on India’s 220 million Muslims and other minorities.
In April 2025, Ramdev ignited a firestorm by urging Hindus to boycott Rooh Afza, a popular herbal drink produced by Hamdard, a Muslim-owned company founded in 1906. During a promotional event for Patanjali’s rose sharbat, he claimed, without naming Hamdard directly, that Rooh Afza’s profits fund mosques and madrasas, contrasting this with Patanjali’s support for gurukuls and Ayurvedic institutions. He coined the term “sharbat jihad,” likening it to “love jihad,” a Hindutva trope alleging Muslim men seduce Hindu women for conversion. The Delhi High Court condemned these remarks as “indefensible” and “akin to hate speech,” ordering Ramdev to remove the videos, though he initially defied the court by releasing another, prompting accusations of contempt.
This was not an isolated incident. Ramdev’s rhetoric often aligns with Hindu nationalist narratives, portraying Muslim businesses as threats to Hindu interests. In 2015, he made veiled references to Muslims in comments on population control, warning of demographic imbalances, which critics interpreted as targeting the community’s 14.2% population share (2011 Census). His 2023 statements linking “religious terrorism” to critics of Hindu traditions further fueled perceptions of Islamophobia. These actions suggest a deliberate strategy to vilify Muslim-owned enterprises, positioning Patanjali as a “swadeshi” alternative rooted in Hindu values.
Economic and Ideological Motives
Ramdev’s targeting of Muslim businesses serves dual purposes: economic competition and ideological alignment. Patanjali, with ₹9,335 crore in revenue in FY24, competes fiercely in the FMCG sector against brands like Hamdard, Dabur, and Hindustan Unilever. By framing Muslim-owned companies like Hamdard as funding “anti-national” causes, Ramdev taps into communal sentiments to boost Patanjali’s market share, particularly among Hindu consumers swayed by nationalist rhetoric. Mohammed Adeeb, a former Rajya Sabha member, noted that such attacks aim to stifle Muslim businesses, which are underrepresented in India’s corporate landscape.
Ideologically, Ramdev’s rhetoric aligns with the Hindutva agenda of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with which he shares a symbiotic relationship. His support for Narendra Modi’s 2014 campaign, mobilizing voters through his yoga following, earned him political favor, including land discounts worth $46 million for Patanjali’s expansion in BJP-ruled states. The BJP’s Hindu nationalist policies, such as the 2019 Citizenship Amendment Act discriminating against Muslims, provide a conducive environment for Ramdev’s narrative. India Hate Lab’s 2025 report documented a 74.4% surge in anti-minority hate speech in 2024, with 98.5% targeting Muslims, often amplified by BJP leaders and Hindu nationalist figures like Ramdev.
Shaping a Negative Image of Minorities
Ramdev’s statements contribute to a broader pattern of demonizing minorities, particularly Muslims, by portraying them as threats to Hindu culture and economic interests. His “sharbat jihad” remark, for instance, reinforces the Hindutva narrative of Muslims as “outsiders” or “infiltrators,” a trope echoed by BJP leaders like Modi, who referred to Muslims as “infiltrators” during the 2024 elections. By suggesting that buying Rooh Afza supports religious institutions over national interests, Ramdev perpetuates stereotypes of Muslims as disloyal, undermining their contributions to India’s economy and culture.
This rhetoric has tangible consequences. The India Hate Lab report noted that 111 hate speech events in 2024 explicitly called for economic boycotts of Muslim businesses, a 27.6% increase from 2023. Such campaigns exacerbate the socio-economic marginalization of Muslims, who face systemic discrimination in employment and business opportunities. Mohammed Riyaz, a faculty member at Aliah University, argued that Ramdev’s attacks on Unani-based companies like Hamdard reflect a broader effort to discredit Muslim contributions to traditional medicine, framing Ayurveda as superior and Hindu-centric.
Ramdev’s influence as a media figure, with millions watching his yoga shows on Aastha TV, amplifies these narratives. His 2024 comments, livestreamed on platforms like Facebook and X, reached wide audiences, with only 3 of 995 reported hate speech videos removed by February 2025. This unchecked spread of divisive content deepens mistrust, as seen in social media backlash where supporters echoed Ramdev’s attacks on Rooh Afza’s Muslim roots.
Political Complicity and Legal Challenges
The BJP’s tacit support, evidenced by its silence on Ramdev’s remarks and continued patronage, emboldens his rhetoric. The party’s rejection of Islamophobia allegations, as stated by spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill, contrasts with documented instances of hate speech by BJP leaders, including 266 during the 2024 elections. Ramdev’s legal troubles, including contempt notices from the Delhi High Court and fines for misleading Patanjali ads, indicate judicial pushback, but selective enforcement due to his political clout limits accountability.
Critics like Congress leader Digvijaya Singh, who filed a police complaint against Ramdev’s “sharbat jihad” remarks, argue that his statements violate India’s constitutional principles and advertising ethics. The Delhi High Court’s observation that Ramdev “lives in his own world” reflects frustration with his defiance, yet the lack of consistent legal repercussions allows him to persist.
Broader Implications and Resistance
Ramdev’s targeting of Muslim businesses risks deepening communal divides in a country already grappling with rising anti-minority violence. Human Rights Watch reported increased harassment and discriminatory policies against Muslims under BJP rule, including property demolitions and anti-conversion laws disproportionately targeting Muslim men. By framing Muslim businesses as threats, Ramdev contributes to a climate of fear, alienating a community that constitutes a significant market and cultural force.
However, resistance is growing. Muslim organizations, academics, and rights groups are calling for stricter enforcement of hate speech laws and advertising regulations. Hamdard’s legal action against Ramdev and social media campaigns defending Rooh Afza highlight efforts to counter his narrative. For Ramdev to maintain Patanjali’s appeal across India’s diverse population, he must shift from divisive rhetoric to inclusive marketing, leveraging his platform to promote unity rather than polarization.
by Editor | Jul 5, 2025 | Opinion, Opinions
Dr Syed Khurshid Hussain, Bandra, Mumbai
In an ancient allegory, Truth and Lie strolled together until they reached a serene riverbank, where both decided to take a swim. Leaving their garments on the shore, they plunged into the water. Lie, ever cunning, emerged first, slipped into Truth’s clothes, and dashed through the marketplace, parading as Truth before the world. When Truth surfaced, she found her attire stolen. Too ashamed to walk naked among the masses, yet unwilling to don Lie’s discarded garments, Truth lingered in the water, hidden from view.
This timeless fable resonates deeply in our digital age, where the naked truth is often known but shunned, much like something too scandalous to confront—like pornography. The masses glimpse the truth but avert their eyes, conditioned by shame or fear of its raw exposure. The story mirrors the human condition: we know the truth but hesitate to embrace it, preferring the comforting veneer of lies.
The Emperor’s New Clothes and the Elephant in the Room
The tale of Truth and Lie echoes other familiar stories. Who hasn’t heard of the child who dared to cry, “The emperor is naked!” while sycophants praised the king’s invisible finery? Or the absurd denial of a policeman who, when confronted with an elephant in the room, responds, “What elephant?” These narratives expose humanity’s reluctance to acknowledge uncomfortable realities, whether out of fear, complicity, or blind allegiance.
For a young philosopher or spiritual seeker navigating the riddles of the modern world, these stories frame a profound dilemma. The world is a tapestry of contradictions: belief versus unbelief, faith versus agnosticism, good versus evil, honesty versus dishonesty, war versus peace, love versus hatred, North versus South, East versus West. Amid this chaos, the seeker grapples with a fundamental question: why does humanity, despite scanning the vast multiverse—billions of stars and planets, with Earth a mere speck—refuse to acknowledge the presence of a Creator?
The War of Narratives: Innocence and Villainy
This question crystallized for our philosopher while watching the ongoing war in Ukraine unfold on television. The invasion of a democratic nation by a powerful aggressor evokes the image of a tiger accusing a lamb of polluting its water upstream. Russia, cast as the villain, storms Ukraine, an innocent victim. Yet, the roles of innocence and villainy are never fixed in the fleeting theater of global affairs.
Just decades ago, the West, cloaked in technological triumphalism, invaded Iraq and Libya, ostensibly for oil or to punish vaguely defined crimes. These interventions reduced thriving societies to rubble, reminiscent of a return to the Stone Age. Similarly, the war in Afghanistan saw the West deploy devastating “Daisy Cutter” bombs, only to withdraw in defeat after squandering billions. The adage “All is fair in love and war” rings hollow when we consider the cost of such actions. Even the ancient strategist Chanakya, in his fourfold approach to enemies—conciliation, gifts, division, and force—advised that force (dand) should be the last resort. Yet, modern powers wield it as a first response, often with catastrophic consequences.
The shifting roles of tiger and lamb reveal a deeper truth: power distorts morality, and yesterday’s victim may become tomorrow’s aggressor. The naked truth of these conflicts lies not in who is right, but in the cyclical nature of human greed, ambition, and denial.
The Politics of Deception: Operation Kamal
Closer to home, in India, a parallel drama unfolds. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), fueled by ultra-nationalistic fervor, is reportedly launching “Operation Kamal” in Maharashtra, the last major non-BJP-ruled state. With a carrot-and-stick approach—crores of rupees as enticement and the threat of raids by enforcement agencies—the party marches toward victory. For the common man, the choice is stark: accept the lucrative “carrot” or face the punitive “stick.” Even the most resolute, inspired by the valor of historical figures like Shivaji Maharaj, may falter under such pressure. The fleeting surge of integrity or regional pride—Josh and Jazba—often succumbs to pragmatism.
This political maneuvering mirrors the fable of Truth and Lie. The BJP, like Lie, dons the garb of righteousness, promising progress and stability, while the naked truth of coercion and manipulation remains submerged, unseen by the masses. The common man, aware of the truth, hesitates to confront it, fearing repercussions or seduced by short-term gains.
The Digital Age: Truth Submerged
In today’s digital world, the naked truth is more accessible than ever, yet it remains submerged, much like Truth in the river. Social media, news outlets, and instant communication expose lies daily, but the masses, conditioned by fear or apathy, shy away from acknowledging them. The truth is not hidden; it is ignored. Like pornography, it is something people know exists but avoid confronting directly, lest it disrupt their comfort or worldview.
The philosopher’s quest reveals a paradox: despite humanity’s advancements—mapping the cosmos, decoding genomes, and connecting globally—we cling to denial. We refuse to see the Creator in the vastness of the universe, just as we refuse to see the truth in our wars, politics, and personal choices. The naked truth is uncomfortable, stark, and unadorned. It demands courage to face, whether it’s the reality of a war-torn nation, a manipulative political campaign, or our own complicity in perpetuating lies.
A Call to Courage
The fable of Truth and Lie offers a timeless lesson: lies may parade in stolen clothes, but the truth, though naked, endures. The philosopher’s journey through the modern world’s contradictions—war and peace, honesty and deceit, faith and doubt—underscores the need for courage. To face the naked truth is to reject the comfortable illusions peddled by power, whether in global conflicts or local politics. It is to step out of the river, unashamed, and walk boldly among the masses, even when they turn away.
The child who called out the emperor’s nakedness and the man who pointed to the elephant in the room were not silenced by fear or convention. They spoke the truth, raw and unfiltered. In an era where lies don the clothes of truth, the seeker’s task is clear: to uncover, to speak, and to stand unashamed. Only then can humanity rise above its contradictions and embrace the truth that has always been there, waiting in the water.
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Dr Syed Khurshid Hussain is a senior Physician practicing in Mumbai, India for the last 65 years or so. He graduated as a Gold Medalist from the University of Baroda with an MBBS degree, and has trained in Psychiatry from the Killearn Institute of Neurological Sciences in Scotland, U.K. He also holds a Diploma in Psychiatric Medicine from Bombay University. Dr. Syed also has a keen interest in Social Work with key contributions in the field of education and healthcare especially for parts of the society who cannot afford mainstream education or have been left out of education due to several reasons. He was the founder and President of the United Way Charitable Trust in Mumbai, India whose mission was to serve the underprivileged by providing subsidised education. Dr. Syed is also very fond of Urdu poetry and is an active writer and member of the Indian Screen Writers Association. He has coproduced two documentaries relating to student suicides due to educational pressure from parents.
by Editor | Jul 5, 2025 | Halal Food, Halal Industries, Halal Medicine
Maeeshat News Network | Mumbai
The global halal market, encompassing products and services compliant with Islamic Sharia law, is a dynamic and rapidly expanding sector, valued at USD 7.7 trillion in 2025 and projected to reach USD 10 trillion by 2030. For halal investors in India—those seeking Sharia-compliant investment opportunities—the halal market presents a critical avenue for economic growth, ethical investing, and social impact. With India’s significant Muslim population, robust export capabilities, and growing domestic demand for halal products, the market offers unique opportunities for investors committed to aligning financial returns with religious and ethical values. This article explores why the halal market is vital for halal investors in India, highlighting its economic potential, alignment with Islamic principles, and strategic importance in 2025.
The Global and Indian Halal Market Landscape
The halal market spans food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, tourism, and Islamic finance, driven by a global Muslim population of 1.9 billion, expected to reach 2.76 billion by 2050. The halal food sector, valued at USD 2.71 trillion in 2024, dominates with a projected growth to USD 4,569.69 billion by 2030 at a 9.56% CAGR. Other segments, such as halal pharmaceuticals and tourism, are also expanding, with global Muslim travel spending forecasted to hit USD 283 billion by 2022.
In India, home to 200 million Muslims (14.2% of the population), the domestic halal market is growing steadily, driven by rising awareness and demand for certified products. India’s halal food market alone is estimated at USD 25 billion in 2025, fueled by urban consumers and a burgeoning middle class. Additionally, India is a global leader in halal meat exports, particularly buffalo meat, with USD 3.2 billion in export revenue in 2024, targeting Muslim-majority countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Indonesia.
For halal investors—those adhering to Sharia principles that prohibit interest (riba), speculative investments (gharar), and non-halal activities—the halal market offers a compliant and lucrative investment landscape. The sector’s alignment with ethical, sustainable, and transparent practices makes it particularly appealing in India’s diverse economic ecosystem.
Economic Opportunities for Halal Investors
1. High-Growth Potential
The halal market’s rapid growth presents significant opportunities for Indian investors. The global demand for halal food, driven by Muslim-majority countries in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, aligns with India’s position as a top exporter of halal meat and agricultural products. Companies like Allanasons Pvt. Ltd., Al Kabeer Exports, and Hind Agro Industries, which generated combined revenues of over USD 1.5 billion in 2024, demonstrate the sector’s profitability. Investing in these firms or their supply chains—slaughterhouses, processing units, or logistics—offers halal investors stable returns in a high-demand market.
The domestic market also holds promise. With India’s Muslim population projected to grow to 310 million by 2050, demand for halal-certified products, from packaged foods to cosmetics, is rising. Startups like Halal India and Zaheeruddin Corporation are capitalizing on this trend, offering opportunities for venture capital investments in Sharia-compliant businesses.
2. Diversification Across Sectors
The halal market’s diversity allows investors to spread risk across multiple industries. Beyond food, halal pharmaceuticals and cosmetics are gaining traction. India’s pharmaceutical industry, a global leader, is increasingly adopting halal certification for vaccines and medicines, with companies like Biocon exploring this niche. The halal cosmetics market, driven by brands like IBA Halal Care, is growing at 12% annually, appealing to both Muslim and non-Muslim consumers for its ethical formulations.
Halal tourism, though nascent in India, offers untapped potential. Investments in halal-friendly hotels, travel agencies, and dining facilities in states like Kerala and Hyderabad could cater to domestic and international Muslim tourists, mirroring success in markets like Malaysia and Turkey.
3. Export-Driven Revenue
India’s halal exports, particularly to OIC countries, are a cornerstone of its economic contribution. The India Conformity Assessment Scheme (I-CAS) – Halal, updated in 2024, ensures compliance with international standards, boosting exports to Saudi Arabia (USD 1.2 billion in 2024) and Indonesia. Halal investors can fund export-oriented firms or logistics providers, capitalizing on India’s competitive pricing—20-30% lower than Brazil or Australia—and proximity to Middle Eastern markets.
Alignment with Sharia Principles
The halal market is inherently Sharia-compliant, making it a natural fit for halal investors. Investments in halal food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics avoid prohibited (haram) elements like pork, alcohol, or unethical practices, aligning with Islamic ethical standards. The sector’s emphasis on transparency, as seen in blockchain-based traceability systems adopted by Indian exporters like Allanasons, ensures compliance with Sharia’s prohibition of uncertainty (gharar).
Islamic finance, a USD 620 billion segment globally, complements the halal market. In India, institutions like Tata Ethical Fund and Taurus Ethical Fund offer Sharia-compliant investment options, enabling investors to channel funds into halal-certified businesses without engaging in interest-based transactions. These funds have seen a 15% increase in assets under management in 2024, reflecting growing investor confidence.
The halal market’s focus on ethical sourcing and sustainability also resonates with Islamic values of stewardship (khalifa) and social responsibility. For instance, Indian companies investing in humane slaughter practices and eco-friendly packaging align with both Sharia principles and global consumer trends, enhancing their appeal to halal investors seeking ethical returns.
Strategic Importance in India
1. Economic Empowerment of Muslim Communities
Investing in the halal market empowers India’s Muslim population, which faces socio-economic challenges. The industry employs over 2 million people, particularly in rural areas of Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, where meat processing and agriculture are key livelihoods. Halal investors can support job creation by funding cooperatives, training programs for halal auditors, or startups in underserved regions, fostering economic inclusion.
2. Strengthening India’s Global Position
India’s role as a halal export leader enhances its geopolitical influence in the Muslim world. Investments in certification bodies like Halal India Certification or infrastructure like cold storage facilities strengthen India’s supply chain, ensuring it remains competitive against rivals like Brazil. Halal investors can drive this growth by funding technological innovations, such as IoT for supply chain monitoring, which Indian firms adopted in 2024 to meet OIC standards.
3. Domestic Market Expansion
The growing awareness of halal certification among Indian consumers, particularly in urban centers like Mumbai and Hyderabad, creates a robust domestic market. Halal investors can fund e-commerce platforms like HalalCart, which saw a 20% sales increase in 2024, or support local brands expanding into halal snacks and beverages. This not only meets consumer demand but also builds brand loyalty among India’s Muslim population.
Challenges and Mitigation Strategies
Halal investors face challenges, including inconsistent global certification standards, which increase compliance costs. India’s collaboration with JAKIM (Malaysia) and BPJPH (Indonesia) mitigates this by harmonizing standards. Domestic political sensitivities around cattle slaughter, particularly in northern states, can disrupt supply chains. Investors can diversify into poultry, seafood, or plant-based halal products to reduce reliance on beef exports.
Competition from countries like Australia, with larger-scale operations, is another hurdle. Indian investors can counter this by funding R&D in value-added products, such as halal-certified frozen meals, which saw a 10% export increase in 2024. Awareness campaigns to educate non-Muslim consumers about halal’s ethical benefits can also expand the market, as seen in Europe, where halal sales grew 8% among non-Muslims in 2024.
Opportunities for Growth
The halal market’s alignment with global sustainability trends offers opportunities for innovation. Indian investors can fund startups developing plant-based halal foods or biodegradable packaging, tapping into the USD 100 billion global sustainable food market. Partnerships with Middle Eastern firms, as seen in Al Kabeer’s 2024 Saudi joint venture, provide avenues for co-investment. Additionally, India’s participation in events like the World Halal Summit 2024 has boosted visibility, attracting foreign direct investment into its halal sector.
The halal market is critical for halal investors in India due to its economic potential, alignment with Sharia principles, and strategic importance. With a growing domestic and export market, opportunities in diverse sectors, and a focus on ethical practices, the industry offers a compelling case for investment. By supporting companies, startups, and infrastructure that drive India’s halal ecosystem, investors can achieve financial returns while uplifting communities and strengthening India’s global standing. As the halal market continues its upward trajectory, Indian halal investors are uniquely positioned to shape its future, fostering a legacy of ethical and sustainable growth.
by Editor | Jul 5, 2025 | Halal Food, Halal Industries, Halal Medicine
Maeeshat News Network | Mumbai
The global halal market, encompassing products and services compliant with Islamic Sharia law, has emerged as a powerhouse in the world economy, valued at USD 7.7 trillion in 2025 and projected to reach USD 10 trillion by 2030. Driven by a growing Muslim population, rising disposable incomes, and increasing demand for ethical and sustainable products, the halal industry spans food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and tourism. India, despite being a non-Muslim-majority country, plays a significant role as one of the world’s leading exporters of halal products, particularly in the food sector.
The Global Halal Market: An Overview
The halal market caters to over 1.9 billion Muslims worldwide, representing 25% of the global population, and is expected to grow to 2.76 billion by 2050. The halal food and beverage sector dominates, valued at USD 2.71 trillion in 2024 and projected to reach USD 4,569.69 billion by 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.56%. Beyond food, the market includes pharmaceuticals (USD 132 billion by 2022), cosmetics, and tourism, with Muslim travel spending forecasted to hit USD 283 billion by 2022. The industry’s appeal extends to non-Muslims, who value halal products for their stringent hygiene, ethical sourcing, and sustainability standards.
Key drivers of growth include the rising Muslim middle class, particularly in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, with consumer spending on halal food reaching USD 1.38 trillion in 2024. Technological advancements, such as blockchain for supply chain transparency and e-commerce platforms, have boosted accessibility, with online halal sales growing at 15% annually. Sustainability trends, aligning with halal principles of ethical production, further enhance the market’s global reach.
Muslim-majority countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia lead in consumption and certification, but non-Muslim-majority countries, including India, Brazil, and Australia, dominate as exporters. India, in particular, has carved a niche as a major supplier of halal meat and agricultural products, leveraging its vast livestock resources and strategic trade policies to meet global demand.
India’s Role in the Halal Market
India is one of the world’s largest exporters of halal meat, particularly buffalo meat (often referred to as “carabeef”), which constitutes over 50% of its meat export market. In 2024, India’s halal meat exports were valued at approximately USD 3.2 billion, making it a key supplier to Muslim-majority countries in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and North Africa. The country’s agricultural exports, including rice, spices, and processed foods, also increasingly carry halal certification to tap into this lucrative market.
India’s halal exports are facilitated by its robust livestock sector, with over 535 million livestock, including the world’s largest buffalo population. The country’s meat industry, centered in states like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh, has invested heavily in halal-compliant slaughterhouses and processing facilities. Companies like Allanasons Pvt. Ltd., Al Kabeer Exports, and Hind Agro Industries lead the sector, exporting to over 70 countries, including Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Malaysia.
The Indian government supports this growth through policies like the India Conformity Assessment Scheme (I-CAS) – Halal, updated in 2024 to streamline certification for exports to Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) countries. The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) plays a pivotal role, ensuring compliance with international halal standards and facilitating trade agreements. In 2024, India signed export deals with Saudi Arabia and Indonesia, boosting halal meat and rice shipments by 12% compared to the previous year.
Several Indian companies have emerged as leaders in the halal export market:
Allanasons Pvt. Ltd.: As India’s largest beef exporter, Allanasons accounts for nearly 25% of the country’s halal meat exports. With state-of-the-art processing plants certified by JAK IM (Malaysia) and MUIS (Singapore), the company supplies halal buffalo meat to the UAE, Indonesia, and Qatar, generating revenues of USD 800 million in 2024.
Al Kabeer Exports: Specializing in frozen halal meat and ready-to-eat products, Al Kabeer caters to Middle Eastern markets, with a focus on Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Its 2024 launch of halal-certified plant-based meat alternatives reflects India’s adaptation to global trends.
Hind Agro Industries: This Uttar Pradesh-based company exports halal meat to over 40 countries, with a strong presence in North Africa. Its compliance with EU and OIC halal standards has positioned it as a trusted supplier, contributing USD 500 million to India’s export revenue in 2024.
Amroon Foods: Focused on halal poultry and processed foods, Amroon has expanded into Southeast Asia, leveraging India’s competitive pricing and halal certification to capture market share in Malaysia and Brunei.
These companies benefit from India’s cost-effective production, with halal meat priced 20-30% lower than competitors like Brazil and Australia. India’s proximity to Middle Eastern markets also reduces shipping costs, giving it a competitive edge.
Challenges Faced by Indian Exporters
Despite their success, Indian halal exporters face several challenges. First, inconsistent global halal certification standards create compliance hurdles. While Malaysia’s JAKIM and Indonesia’s BPJPH set stringent benchmarks, varying requirements across markets increase costs for exporters. Second, domestic political sensitivities around cattle slaughter, particularly in India’s northern states, lead to sporadic bans and supply chain disruptions. In 2023, temporary restrictions in Uttar Pradesh reduced meat exports by 8%, impacting halal shipments.
Animal welfare concerns also pose challenges, as international buyers demand humane slaughter practices. Indian exporters have responded by adopting stunning techniques compliant with OIC standards, but implementation remains uneven. Additionally, competition from Brazil and Australia, which have larger-scale operations and government-backed export incentives, pressures Indian firms to innovate continuously.
Opportunities and Innovations
The halal market offers significant opportunities for Indian exporters. The Middle East, with its 80% reliance on imported halal products, remains a prime target. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aiming to localize halal production, has opened doors for Indian firms to partner with local companies, as seen in Al Kabeer’s 2024 joint venture with a Saudi distributor. Southeast Asia’s growing demand, particularly in Indonesia’s USD 303.5 billion halal market, presents another avenue for expansion.
Indian exporters are embracing technology to stay competitive. Blockchain-based traceability systems, adopted by companies like Allanasons, ensure transparency from farm to fork, addressing consumer concerns about authenticity. E-commerce platforms like IndiaMART have boosted halal food sales, with a 25% increase in online exports in 2024. Additionally, India’s focus on halal-certified plant-based foods aligns with global sustainability trends, attracting environmentally conscious consumers in Europe and North America.
The Indian government’s “Make in India” initiative supports exporters through subsidies for halal certification and trade fairs. Events like the World Halal Summit 2024 in Istanbul, where Indian firms showcased spices and processed foods, have enhanced global visibility. APEDA’s collaboration with the Halal India Certification body ensures compliance with international standards, further strengthening India’s position.
Economic and Social Impact
The halal export industry employs over 2 million people in India, from farmers to processing workers, contributing significantly to rural economies. In Uttar Pradesh, the meat export sector generates USD 1.5 billion annually, supporting livelihoods in marginalized communities. The industry also promotes inclusivity, with halal certification creating jobs for Muslim scholars and auditors trained in Sharia compliance.
The global halal market’s exponential growth offers immense potential for Indian exporters, who have established themselves as key players through competitive pricing, robust certification, and strategic trade policies. Companies like Allanasons, Al Kabeer, and Hind Agro Industries lead the charge, capitalizing on India’s vast livestock resources and government support. Despite challenges like certification complexities and domestic regulations, Indian exporters are leveraging technology and innovation to expand their global footprint. As the halal market continues to evolve, India’s role as a trusted supplier underscores its ability to bridge cultural and economic divides, contributing to a thriving global industry.
