Basmati Rice
India's Premium Export Commodity
Basmati rice is a variety of long-grain aromatic rice grown in specific geographic regions of the Indian subcontinent. India holds the Geographical Indication (GI) tag for basmati rice, conferring exclusive legal recognition of origin.
- GI-designated basmati-growing states in India: Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Western Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi (NCR).
- India exported approximately 4.45 million metric tonnes of basmati rice valued at over USD 4.3 billion in FY 2024–25 — accounting for roughly two-thirds of global basmati exports.
- Gulf countries (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait) absorb approximately 70% of India's basmati shipments, making West Asia the single most critical export market.
- India and Pakistan are the only two countries globally that produce and export basmati rice.
- Pakistan is India's primary competitor in Gulf basmati markets.
● Tracked since February 22, 2026 · last seen April 27, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
27 Apr '26
Basmati Rice Exports Under Strain: War-Risk Surcharges and West Asia Shipping Crisis
Economics
02 Mar '26
Basmati Rice Exporters Consult APEDA as Gulf Conflict Threatens USD 6 Billion Trade
Economics
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