India Maintains Ban on Wheat Exports

13-Jun-2025 01:22 PM

New Delhi. Despite excellent domestic production, the Government of India has formally informed the World Trade Organization (WTO) that the ban on commercial wheat exports will remain in place, as the government's top priority is to ensure domestic food security. Additionally, efforts will be made to meet the food needs of the most vulnerable and neighboring countries.

In its communication to the WTO’s Committee on Agriculture, India clarified that the wheat export ban is not permanent but a temporary measure. The ban was initially imposed in May 2022 due to poor production and volatility in global market prices. The Indian government emphasized the need to boost domestic wheat supply to meet the food security requirements of its large population.

India explained that it has not violated Article XI of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) 1994. By invoking Article 2(A) and Article 12.1 of the Agreement on Agriculture, the export of wheat was shifted from the ‘free’ category to the ‘restricted’ list, thereby temporarily suspending commercial exports. However, the option to export wheat remains officially open, and the country has continued to supply wheat under humanitarian aid.

If any country facing food security challenges submits a formal request, the Indian government may allow wheat exports to that country. There are strong indications that India is unlikely to lift the wheat export ban or ease restrictions on wheat-based products during the current year. While record wheat production has been achieved this year, the domestic supply pipelines were previously depleted, prompting the need to rebuild reserves.