India bans rice export to stabilise prices but it can have ramifications in vulnerable countries

India has done what the world feared the most, banning non-basmati rice export. India exports rice to 140 countries, most of them in Africa and Southeast Asia, and accounts for 40 per cent of the total world export. Global agriculture has always been susceptible to various challenges and crises. The Russia-Ukraine war which accounted for a quarter of the world’s wheat supply has already put the world's food security under severe strain. After Russia’s defence ministry statement that ships leaving a Ukrainian port will be legitimate military target, the Black Sea initiative is virtually over. Vladimir Putin has hinted he is willing to consider the deal again if his demands are met. But the bombing of Odesa port suggests that what he said was to the audience in the global south. The Black Sea grain initiative was negotiated in July 2022 between Turkey, the UN and Russia as a way of ensuring that Ukraine's grain could leave its southern ports via the Bosporus. But after the deal is over, the shipping crossing the sea routes is at high risk and that disrupts the world food supply line. Indian decision comes in the aftermath of this breakdown. But unfortunately, it is further going to compound the problem as now not only wheat but rice would be off the shelf for most countries. In response to this crisis and to safeguard its domestic interests, India took the significant step of banning the export of non-basmati rice.

This decision has sparked intense debate and raised questions about its implications for both India and the international community. India is a significant player in the global agricultural arena, contributing substantially to the production of rice and wheat. The country has historically been a major exporter of non-basmati rice, which serves as a staple for many nations, especially in Africa and Southeast Asia. With the Black Seat Wheat Crisis intensifying, India faced a challenging dilemma: balancing its commitment to support global food security while safeguarding its domestic requirements. By imposing the ban, India sought to ensure a sufficient buffer of rice stocks to meet its domestic demand, alleviating concerns of possible food shortages and price volatility within the country. India's decision, though understandable from a national perspective, has raised concerns among importing nations. The ban could exacerbate food crises in vulnerable regions. As a responsible member of the international community, India must explore avenues to address the needs of other nations. This is more relevant as India is president of two important organisations – G20 and SCO, which we are celebrating with much fanfare. Instead of a blanket ban on exporting non-basmati rice, India could have availed the option of capping the exports and banning basmati rice which is more in demand in the US and Europe, thus providing cheaper varieties to the people in Africa and other developing countries. India must explore alternative strategies to mitigate the impact on food-importing nations.