The basmati rice war between India and Pakistan

Audio 03:32

Packages of basmati rice in New Delhi India.

(Illustrative image) Universal Images Group via Getty - VW Pics

By: Vincent Souriau

5 mins

Basmati rice, this high-end rice, fragrant and with long and tasty grains, finds itself at the center of the historical rivalry between India and Pakistan.

The Indian government has just filed with the European Union an application for PGI, Protected Geographical Indication.

In other words, for political as well as economic reasons, India claims the exclusive use of the name Basmati and opens a new front in its cold war with its Pakistani neighbor.

Delphine Marie-Vivien, researcher attached to CIRAD, gives us her insight.

  • India

  • Pakistan

  • Trade and Trade

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