17/08/2026
Dev Garg, VP, Indian Rice Exporters' Federation (IREF), in conversation with RT India, discusses Nepal’s claim over Basmati rice and its potential impact on India’s global rice exports.
In this conversation, Dev Garg explains why Indian Basmati remains highly competitive in global markets, the importance of its distinct aroma and quality, and why Nepal’s Basmati claim is unlikely to pose a major threat to Indian exporters.
He also discusses the possibility of international buyer confusion, legal challenges, global competition and the commercial importance of Basmati, while highlighting India’s experience in defending its Basmati identity in international markets. The conversation also explores whether the growing battle over Basmati is driven by global demand, premium prices or geopolitical factors, and why India remains confident about its position in the global Basmati trade. Watch the full conversation for insights on Nepal’s Basmati claim, Indian rice exports, global Basmati competition and the future of India’s rice export ecosystem.
