India's rice exports increased by 19.4% in 2025 to 21.55 million metric tonnes, reaching the second-highest level in history after the Government lifted all export restrictions imposed during 2022–23. The revival was driven by record domestic production, competitive pricing and restoration of India's dominance in the global rice market. Increased Indian supplies also pushed Asian rice prices to their lowest level in nearly a decade, benefiting food-importing countries across Africa and Asia.
Following the removal of export restrictions, India's rice exports rebounded sharply during 2025.
| Indicator | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Total Rice Exports | 18.05 million tonnes | 21.55 million tonnes |
| Growth | — | 19.4% |
| Record Export (2022) | 22.30 million tonnes | — |
The strong recovery brought exports close to the all-time record achieved in 2022, reaffirming India's position as the world's largest rice exporter.
India had imposed export restrictions during 2022 and 2023 to:
With record rice production and improved domestic supplies, the Government gradually removed all export restrictions by March 2025, allowing exporters to regain competitiveness in global markets.The policy reversal significantly boosted India's export performance.
Non-basmati rice recorded the strongest growth.
| Indicator | 2025 |
|---|---|
| Exports | 15.15 million tonnes |
| Growth | 25% |
The surge was driven by renewed demand from developing economies dependent on affordable food grains.
Premium basmati exports also achieved a new milestone.
| Indicator | 2025 |
|---|---|
| Exports | 6.40 million tonnes |
| Growth | 8% |
| Status | Record High |
The continued growth reflects sustained international demand for India's premium aromatic rice varieties.
Major destinations included:
These markets primarily import affordable rice for food security and public distribution programmes.
Leading buyers included:
These countries continued to increase purchases of premium Indian basmati rice.
India remains the largest exporter of rice in the world.Its annual exports generally exceed the combined exports of the next three largest exporters:
This demonstrates India's overwhelming share in the global rice trade and its critical role in ensuring international food security.
India regained market share because of its competitive pricing.Lower export prices compared with competing suppliers enabled Indian exporters to attract buyers from traditional as well as emerging markets.This competitiveness strengthened India's position despite increasing competition from other major rice-exporting countries.
The increase in Indian rice exports had important global implications.Higher supplies from India:
The recovery in rice exports highlights the importance of balanced export policy, where domestic food security objectives are aligned with export competitiveness. India's dominance in the global rice market enhances its strategic role in international food supply chains while generating significant foreign exchange earnings. Continued improvements in productivity, logistics, storage infrastructure and export diversification will further strengthen India's agricultural export sector.
India generally exports more rice than the combined exports of Thailand, Vietnam and Pakistan.
The article refers to the Government's decision to remove rice export restrictions. No specific ministry or agency is mentioned in the input; therefore, no additional institutional details are included.
Updated – 10 January 2026 | 07:00 AM GMT+5:30 | News Source – Reuters