Standoff in Rice Trade Between India and China Intensifies

12-Aug-2026 05:43 PM

Hyderabad. China is not only displaying high-handedness in its rice trade with India but is also making malicious attempts to tarnish the reputation of Indian rice internationally. The Chinese government has revoked the registration of seven Indian rice exporters, alleging that traces of GM (Genetically Modified) rice were found in their shipments. Notably, China had previously cancelled the registration of three Indian rice exporters earlier this year.

The revocation of registration by the central customs authority effectively bans these Indian exporters from supplying rice to China; this includes the three exporters whose registrations had been suspended earlier. These rice export companies are based in Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.

According to official sources, this decision by China is a calculated move. Since its rice procurement requirements for the current year have largely been met, it seeks to halt imports by citing flimsy excuses. It is a well-known fact that GM rice is not produced in any South Asian country, including India, nor does India import rice from abroad, as it is the world's leading rice exporter.

Before shipments leave Indian ports, agencies thoroughly inspect all rice consignments and grant clearance only after being fully satisfied with the results. There is absolutely no basis for the claim that Indian rice contains GM products; China’s intentions are clearly different.

Exporters are expressing surprise that while Chinese agencies clear the shipments at Indian ports—finding no GM rice—GM content is allegedly detected upon arrival at Chinese ports.