News Capsule: China again rejects Indian non-basmati rice consignments over alleged GMO presence
27-May-2026 09:48 AM
News Capsule: China again rejects Indian non-basmati rice consignments over alleged GMO presence
★ China has once again rejected several consignments of Indian non-basmati rice, alleging the presence of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Around 4-5 consignments were turned back last week, taking the total number of rejected shipments to nearly 70.
★ The Indian government and ICAR have already clarified that no GM crop is commercially cultivated in India except cotton, and no GM rice has been approved in the country.
★ Trade sources believe China is attempting to damage India’s image in the global market and increase trade pressure. Due to the dispute, nearly 200 containers have reportedly been held back from shipment.
★ Indian officials held talks with China’s GACC authorities last week, but Chinese officials did not clearly explain the testing methodology used for rejecting the consignments. The trade industry views the issue as part of rising trade tensions between India and China.