CITES flags permit inconsistencies, calls temporary halt on India wildlife imports

A high-level global wildlife committee under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) has recommended that India temporarily pause the import of wild animals until the country strengthens its permit and compliance processes governing such transfers.

The recommendation follows the committee’s recent visit to the Vantara Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat, a facility run under the Reliance Foundation. During the visit, the committee praised the centre for its “exceptionally high standards” of care, advanced veterinary infrastructure and specialised rehabilitation protocols. However, the team flagged inconsistencies in how India’s import permit codes were recorded and processed, saying these gaps raise questions abo