New Zealand and Australia recognise Basmati as a Pakistani product.

 Syed Safdar Abbas

In a major victory for Pakistan, the global battle over Basmati rice ownership has resulted in India’s defeat.

Both New Zealand and Australia have officially recognised Basmati as a Pakistani product, while a similar decision from the European Union is also expected in Pakistan’s favour.

Indian attempts to undermine Pakistan’s claim on Basmati rice have failed, as international trade experts and historians have proven that Basmati originates from Pakistan’s Hafizabad district.

Indian claims were dismissed outright by Australia and New Zealand, with the EU expected to follow suit soon.

Pakistan’s Basmati rice is known for its superior aroma, quality, and competitive pricing.

The country’s Basmati exports have surged to $4 billion, positioning it as a dominant player in the $27 billion global rice market.

Alarmed by Pakistan’s rising exports, India has been attempting to take control of the Basmati trade, but its efforts have backfired.

Exporters, including Chaudhry Tanveer, argue that India does not produce authentic Basmati.

Instead, Pakistan’s Basmati is shipped to Dubai, where Indian traders rebrand it as their own before exporting it further.

Historical records further weaken India’s claims — according to data submitted to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), India had not exported a single grain of Basmati before 1965, whereas Pakistan was already exporting it to Europe and Gulf countries in the 1960s.

Trade expert Shams-ul-Islam stated that while the Pakistan-India dispute over Basmati ownership in the EU has faced delays, intellectual property laws protect the original producer.

He emphasised that India’s objections lack merit and that the geographical indication (GI) certification should rightfully belong to Pakistan.

With the rising importance of geographical protection in trade, securing exclusive rights to Basmati rice remains a crucial economic and strategic goal for Pakistan.

Published Date: February 12, 2025