UN body drops call to restrict India’s wildlife imports as global panel backs Vantara’s compliance

A UN wildlife trade body has withdrawn its earlier recommendation to restrict India from importing endangered wild animals — a move that had drawn scrutiny to Anant Ambani’s Vantara project, according to a Reuters report.

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) reversed course after several countries, including India, the US, Japan and Brazil, argued that the proposal was premature and noted there was no evidence of illegal wildlife imports into India.

At the 20th meeting of the conference of the parties to CITES on Sunday, the Standing Committee and an overwhelming majority of member nations delivered a decisive endorsement of India’s position, confirming that there exists no evidence or grounds to pursue any measures against the country with respect to animal imports, added the report.

This outcome serves as a powerful validation of Vantara’s lawful, transparent, and science-driven model of wildlife care, reaffirming its compliance with global norms and its standing as one of the world’s most ethically governed and professionally run centres of wildlife conservation.

The CITES Secretariat — the UN-affiliated body that monitors global wildlife trade compliance — conducted a two-day assessment of Anant Ambani’s Vantara facility in September 2025, examining its enclosures, veterinary systems, record-keeping, rescue operations and overall welfare protocols.

In its report submitted to the Standing Committee on 30 September 2025, the Secretariat described Vantara as a world-class, welfare-focused institution equipped with modern infrastructure, advanced veterinary care and strong rescue and rehabilitation mechanisms. It concluded that Vantara’s work is rooted in conservation and animal welfare, and confirmed that the centre does not participate in commercial trade. The assessment also noted Vantara’s transparency, cooperation and alignment with CITES procedures.

During Sunday’s Standing Committee discussions, a large majority of member states backed India’s position, effectively reaffirming Vantara’s credibility and purpose. Delegates said the outcome helps correct misleading claims that had circulated in parts of the public and advocacy sphere, and reinforces what official evidence has consistently shown: that Vantara operates on the right side of conservation, compliance and care, reported Reuters.

The broad support from parties was seen as a strong endorsement not only of India’s CITES implementation but also of Vantara’s adherence to those standards from the outset. For many, the decision stands as a clear affirmation of the facility’s values and its contribution to global conservation efforts.

The international findings echo the conclusions of a Special Investigation Team appointed by the Supreme Court of India, which examined all allegations related to Vantara — including legal, financial, welfare and CITES-related claims. After extensive document reviews, consultations with national and international agencies and on-site inspections in Jamnagar, the SIT found that all complaints and media reports were “unfounded, baseless and devoid of any factual or legal foundation.”

The inquiry confirmed that all animals were imported legally for non-commercial purposes with valid permits; that no wildlife smuggling, money laundering or financial irregularities had taken place; and that invoicing references were routine customs documentation for valuation. It further noted that Vantara not only complies fully with Central Zoo Authority norms but exceeds them, holds Global Humane Certification and functions as a bona fide rescue, rehabilitation and conservation centre rather than a private collection.

Taken together, national and international assessments point to a single, unequivocal conclusion: Vantara has operated lawfully, transparently and in accordance with the highest scientific and ethical standards.

About Vantara

Vantara is an ambitious wildlife preservation project founded by Anant Ambani and supported by Reliance Industries and Reliance Foundation. Situated within the Jamnagar Refinery Complex in Gujarat, India, Vantara spans 3,000 acres and serves as a sanctuary for abused, injured, and endangered animals. Vantara is a comprehensive rehabilitation center dedicated to providing a natural and nurturing environment for its inhabitants. The Vantara initiative, the first of its kind in India, has been conceptualised and birthed under the leadership of Anant Ambani, Director on the boards of RIL and Reliance Foundation.

Vantara is focused on creating best-in-class animal conservation and care practices including state-of-the-art healthcare, hospitals, research and academic centres. Within its programmes, Vantara also focuses on integrating advanced research and collaboration with reputed international universities and organisations such as the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF). Over the last few years, the programme has rescued more than 200 elephants, and thousands of other animals, reptiles and birds from unsafe situations. It has undertaken initiatives in key species including rhino, leopard and crocodile rehabilitation.

With inputs from agencies