Basmati Battle Won: Pakistan Gains International Recognition as Origin of Iconic Rice Variety

Pakistan has recently emerged victorious in the global dispute over Basmati rice ownership, with both New Zealand and Australia officially recognizing Basmati as a Pakistani product.

This development is significant, as it bolsters Pakistan’s position in the global rice market. The European Union is also expected to make a similar decision in favour of Pakistan, further solidifying its claim on Basmati rice.

The dispute between India and Pakistan over Basmati rice has deep historical roots. Both countries have long claimed to be the originators of this aromatic long-grain rice variety.

The battle for Geographical Indication (GI) status reflects broader themes of cultural identity and economic rivalry. A GI tag would grant exclusive rights to market Basmati under that name, impacting trade significantly.

India, in December 2024, approached the European Court of Justice after the European Union rejected India’s application to access the Annexures attached to Pakistan’s application for protected Geographical Indication (PGI).

Despite the commodity’s growing demand in the United States and Europe, as reported by The Washington Post, its origins have never been more divisive or its future more uncertain.

New Zealand and Australia have rejected Indian claims that Basmati originates exclusively from India. Instead, they acknowledge its Pakistani origins.

While an official decision from the EU is awaited, expectations are high that it will favour Pakistan’s claim.

With international recognition growing, Pakistan’s Basmati exports have reached $4 billion annually. This positions Pakistan strongly within the $27 billion global rice market.

Despite efforts by India to promote its own varieties like Pusa Basmati 1121 (PB 1121), domestic infighting among states has hindered effective contestation against Pakistani claims internationally.