Pakistan has achieved a significant victory in the long-standing battle over the ownership of Basmati rice in the global market, with India facing a major setback. In a crucial decision, both New Zealand and Australia have officially recognized Basmati as a Pakistani product, reinforcing Pakistan’s rightful claim. A similar decision from the European Union (EU) is anticipated, further strengthening Pakistan’s position on the international stage.
India has tried harder to wear away Pakistan’s claim to Basmati rice, despite historical and trade evidence supporting Pakistan’s stance. Experts and historians have established that Basmati originates from Pakistan’s Hafizabad district, a fact that played a crucial role in the recent rulings. Authorities of Australia and New Zealand completely dismissed the fake allegation of India, and experts believe that the EU is probably to follow suit soon.
Pakistan’s Basmati rice is highly famous for its distinct aroma, best quality, and competitive pricing. This recognition has intensified the country’s rice exports to an impressive $4 billion, making Pakistan a dominant force in the $27 billion global rice market. Now the demand of this premium-quality Basmati is on the rise.
Read more: Basmati Rice Exports Surge 45% To 64,274 Tons In March
India, alarmed by Pakistan’s growing export strength, has made continuous efforts to take control of the Basmati trade, but these attempts have backfired. Many exporters, including Chaudhry Tanveer, give an argument that India does not manufacture authentic Basmati rice. Instead, Pakistani Basmati is frequently shipped to Dubai, where Indian traders repackage and rebrand it as their own before selling it in global markets. This deceptive practice has been widely criticized and further weakens India’s credibility in the ownership battle.
Historical data further reinforces Pakistan’s claim—records submitted to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) reveal that India had not exported a single grain of Basmati before 1965, whereas Pakistan had already been supplying it to European and Gulf markets since the 1960s. This undeniable fact serves as a critical blow to India’s attempts to claim ownership of Basmati.
Trade expert Shams-ul-Islam revealed that the dispute over Basmati’s Geographical Indication (GI) certification in the EU has faced delays, but intellectual property laws favor the original producer. Shams emphasized that India’s objections are not backed with any substance, and Pakistan rightfully deserves exclusive rights to Basmati rice.
AS global trade is highly prioritizing geographical protections, securing the GI certification for Basmati remains not only an economic milestone but also a strategic achievement for Pakistan. This victory is opening the new doors for Pakistan to further expand its rice exports, ensuring that the world recognizes and values its superior quality Basmati rice.