The United States, whose dairy exports reached $8.22 billion last year, is pushing for greater access to India's dairy market, which remains shielded by high import duties and non-tariff barriers. The Indian dairy industry is valued at $16.8 billion. A senior official at the federal trade ministry said India is resisting pressure from the United States to open its dairy sector in the current bilateral trade talks. India will not surrender under any circumstances, and the dairy sector will continue to enjoy protection, said the official, who did not wish to be named since the deliberations were not public. Dairy farmers say they need government protection.