Our analysis of the Indian situation indicates that the VAD-argument is not credible as a justification or motivation for promoting ”Golden Rice” in India. We surmise that the central government authorities enthusiasm for ”Golden Rice” is propelled by other un-stated factors. One of these could well be the determination not to bypass the opportunity to secure the technological know-how embedded in the ”Golden Rice” for the public-sector research institutions working on transgenic crops. The introduction of ”Golden Rice”, in the teeth of the well argued opposition to it by activist CSOs and parts of the non-GM R&D establishment and the media, is likely to further erode public trust in the biotechnology promoting authorities and companies.