India exports Basmati rice to more than 150 international destinations, supplying markets across the Middle East, Asia, Europe, Africa and North America. If you are researching India exports Basmati rice to which countries, some of the most important destinations include Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Yemen and the United States. These markets have established demand for Indian aromatic rice, supported by household consumption, foodservice industries and international food distribution networks.
The countries importing Basmati rice from India value its distinctive aroma, extra-long slender grains, characteristic elongation after cooking and soft, fluffy texture. From premium aged Basmati to steamed and parboiled varieties, Indian exporters supply different commercial grades to meet the requirements of international buyers.
India's position in the global rice industry is supported by its established milling infrastructure, diverse Basmati varieties and extensive export network. According to the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), India exported approximately 6.52 million metric tonnes of Basmati rice during FY 2025-26 , valued at approximately US$5.67 billion.
This article examines the major Indian Basmati rice export destinations, their market importance, APEDA export statistics and the commercial considerations exporters should understand when entering international Basmati rice export markets.
India's Basmati Rice Export Market: An Overview
Basmati rice occupies a distinct position in India's agricultural export industry. Unlike standard non-Basmati rice, it is recognised for its specific geographical growing area, grain characteristics, aroma and cooking quality.
India's Basmati-growing region covers parts of seven states and Union Territories: Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Delhi, western Uttar Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir.
The crop is processed into different commercial grades and varieties, including traditional Basmati, Pusa Basmati and other notified varieties. Exporters supply these products in raw, steamed and parboiled forms, depending on international buyer requirements.
APEDA's export figures demonstrate the importance of Basmati rice export from India:
| Financial Year | Export Quantity | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | 5.24 million MT | US$5.84 billion |
| 2024-25 | 6.07 million MT | US$5.67 billion |
| 2025-26 | 6.52 million MT | US$5.67 billion |
Source: APEDA and DGCIS. Figures are rounded; export values are reported in US dollars.
The figures show that India's Basmati export quantity increased over these three financial years. However, the export value did not increase at the same pace, reflecting changes in realised prices, market demand and destination-wise product mix.
Which Countries Import Basmati Rice from India?
APEDA's FY 2025-26 export analytical report identifies Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen as the five leading destinations by export value. The United States also remains an important market.
These countries importing Basmati rice from India have different consumption patterns, product preferences and import requirements. Understanding these differences helps Indian exporters identify suitable buyers and evaluate opportunities across international markets.
1. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is India's largest Basmati rice export destination by value in FY 2025-26. Basmati rice is widely consumed across the country and is an important ingredient in traditional dishes such as Kabsa and other rice-based preparations.
The market has established demand for long-grain aromatic rice, particularly products that deliver consistent grain elongation, aroma and cooking performance.
Commercial Demand: Traditional Basmati, aged Basmati, steamed rice and parboiled rice.
Export Considerations: Suppliers should pay attention to grain length, moisture, broken percentage, aroma, packaging and food-safety compliance. Saudi Arabia also has specific requirements concerning approved food establishments and food-safety management.
2. Iran
Iran is another major destination for Indian Basmati rice. Rice is an important part of Iranian cuisine, and Basmati is used in several traditional preparations.
Demand from Iran is influenced by domestic production, import policies, currency conditions, international payment arrangements and competition from other rice-producing countries.
Commercial Demand: Traditional Basmati, long-grain aromatic rice and selected premium grades.
Export Considerations: Exporters should verify the latest import permissions, payment arrangements, applicable inspection procedures and destination-specific documentation before confirming shipments.
3. Iraq
Iraq is one of the established markets for Indian Basmati rice. The country's food consumption patterns and distribution networks support demand for imported rice, including aromatic long-grain varieties.
Indian suppliers cater to wholesalers, distributors, food importers and retail channels operating in the Iraqi market.
Commercial Demand: Long-grain Basmati, steamed rice and other commercially specified grades.
Export Considerations: Grain uniformity, cooking performance, packaging and competitive landed prices are important. Buyers may also require specific quality certifications and pre-shipment documentation.
4. United Arab Emirates
The UAE is an important destination for Indian Basmati rice, supported by its large food distribution industry, hospitality sector and diverse expatriate population.
Dubai and other commercial centres also serve as important distribution points for food products supplied to neighbouring markets.
Commercial Demand: Premium Basmati, aged rice, traditional Basmati and packaged retail products.
Export Considerations: Importers may require different grain lengths, packaging formats and quality grades for retail, restaurants and foodservice distribution. Suppliers should also consider the UAE's food import registration and labelling requirements.
5. Yemen
Yemen is an important market for Indian Basmati rice, with demand supported by its dependence on imported food commodities.
Price competitiveness, product availability and the ability to supply consistent volumes are important factors for buyers in this market.
Commercial Demand: Commercial-grade Basmati, long-grain rice and bulk packaged supplies.
Export Considerations: Exporters should assess the buyer's payment arrangements, shipment route, insurance requirements and applicable import documentation before entering into a contract.
6. United States
The United States is a significant market for Indian Basmati rice, particularly among consumers who prefer South Asian and Middle Eastern food products.
Demand is supported by ethnic grocery retailers, supermarket chains, foodservice businesses and speciality food distributors.
Commercial Demand: Premium Basmati, aged rice, organic-certified products and retail-packed rice.
Export Considerations: Buyers may require strict compliance with food-safety regulations, pesticide residue limits, labelling requirements and applicable facility registration rules. Exporters should also verify the relevant US import and inspection requirements.
7. United Kingdom
The United Kingdom has an established market for Indian Basmati rice, supported by its South Asian consumer base and widespread availability of Indian food products.
Basmati is sold through supermarkets, ethnic grocery stores, wholesale distributors and foodservice businesses.
Commercial Demand: Traditional Basmati, aged Basmati, premium retail packs and selected steamed varieties.
Export Considerations: Product labelling, food traceability, pesticide residue limits and destination-specific food-safety requirements should be verified before shipment.
8. Kuwait
Kuwait is an important Middle Eastern destination for Indian Basmati rice. The country's food import industry and consumption of traditional rice-based dishes support demand for imported aromatic rice.
Commercial Demand: Premium and standard Basmati, long-grain rice and bulk packaged supplies.
Export Considerations: Grain quality, cooking characteristics, packaging and landed cost are important factors for distributors and wholesalers.
9. Oman
Oman is another established market for Indian Basmati rice. Demand is supported by household consumption, restaurants, catering businesses and food distribution companies.
Its proximity to major international shipping routes also makes it an important destination for agricultural commodity suppliers.
Commercial Demand: Traditional Basmati, steamed rice and selected premium grades.
Export Considerations: Importers may specify particular grain lengths, broken percentages, moisture levels and packaging formats. Suppliers should confirm the latest food import and customs requirements.
10. Jordan
Jordan is an additional market for Indian Basmati rice, supported by demand for imported food products and established regional distribution channels.
Basmati is used in household cooking, restaurants and foodservice applications.
Commercial Demand: Long-grain aromatic rice, traditional Basmati and selected premium grades.
Export Considerations: Exporters should evaluate price competitiveness, buyer specifications, food-safety requirements and shipment documentation.
Major Indian Basmati Rice Export Destinations: APEDA FY 2025-26 Data
APEDA's FY 2025-26 export analytical report provides the following destination-wise distribution of India's Basmati rice export value. These figures help identify the most commercially significant Basmati rice export markets and the countries contributing the largest share of Indian export revenue.
| Importing Country | Export Value (US$ Million) | Share of Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | 942.99 | 16.62% |
| Iran | 789.93 | 13.92% |
| Iraq | 634.07 | 11.18% |
| United Arab Emirates | 464.17 | 8.18% |
| Yemen | 323.20 | 5.70% |
Source: APEDA, India's Export Analytical Report, FY 2025-26, based on DGCIS data.
These five markets account for approximately 55.6% of India's reported Basmati rice export value. Saudi Arabia alone represents more than 16% of the total.
The concentration of exports in Middle Eastern markets highlights the region's importance to Indian Basmati suppliers. At the same time, the United States, United Kingdom, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and other destinations provide additional opportunities for exporters.
For businesses researching which countries import Basmati rice from India , these figures provide a useful indication of where Indian export revenue is concentrated. However, market share by value should not be confused with import volume, as differences in rice grades and realised prices can influence the figures.
Top 10 Countries Importing Basmati Rice from India by Quantity: FY 2024-25
The following table presents the top ten importing countries by quantity during FY 2024-25, using DGCIS figures reported through APEDA-based export data.
| Importing Country | Import Quantity |
|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | 1.17 million MT |
| Iraq | 0.91 million MT |
| Iran | 0.86 million MT |
| Yemen | 0.39 million MT |
| United Arab Emirates | 0.39 million MT |
| United States | 0.27 million MT |
| United Kingdom | 0.18 million MT |
| Kuwait | 0.18 million MT |
| Oman | 0.15 million MT |
| Qatar | 0.12 million MT |
Source: DGCIS country-wise export figures for FY 2024-25, as reported in APEDA-based export data. Figures are rounded.
Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Iran together imported approximately 2.75 million metric tonnes of Indian Basmati rice during FY 2024-25. Their combined purchases represented a substantial share of India's total shipments.
The difference between the FY 2024-25 and FY 2025-26 destination tables is intentional: the first shows a wider country-wise quantity ranking for FY 2024-25, while the second reflects APEDA's latest available destination-wise value shares for FY 2025-26.
Other Countries Importing Indian Basmati Rice
Beyond the leading destinations, Indian Basmati rice is exported to several other international markets. These additional countries importing Basmati rice from India help diversify the export network and provide opportunities for suppliers targeting different consumer segments.
Some of these destinations include:
- Asia: Nepal, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and other markets, depending on applicable import policies.
- Middle East: Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and other Gulf markets.
- Africa: South Africa and selected markets where premium aromatic rice has established demand.
- Europe: Germany, France, the Netherlands and other European markets.
- North America: Canada and the United States.
- Other markets: Australia and additional destinations supplied through specialist food distributors.
The exact list of importing countries changes from year to year. APEDA's FY 2024-25 reporting indicated that India exported Basmati rice to 154 countries, compared with 150 destinations in FY 2023–24.
What Makes Indian Basmati Rice Popular in International Markets?
The growth of Basmati rice export from India is supported by the product's distinctive grain and cooking characteristics, as well as the country's established agricultural and processing infrastructure.
Several factors contribute to its demand:
1. Distinctive Aroma: Basmati rice is known for its characteristic fragrance, which is an important quality attribute for consumers and food manufacturers.
2. Extra-Long Grain Characteristics: Its slender grains elongate considerably during cooking, helping create the characteristic appearance expected from premium Basmati.
3. Cooking Performance: Properly processed and aged Basmati generally produces separate, fluffy grains after cooking, making it suitable for dishes such as biryani and pulao.
4. Variety and Grade Availability: Indian suppliers offer several recognised Basmati varieties and commercial grades to meet different price and quality requirements.
5. Established Export Infrastructure: India has a developed rice milling, grading, packaging and export network, allowing suppliers to serve different international markets.
Major Basmati Rice Varieties Exported from India
Indian exporters supply several Basmati varieties, each with its own grain characteristics and commercial positioning. Understanding these varieties is important when evaluating Indian Basmati rice export destinations , as buyers in different markets may prefer different grain lengths, aroma profiles and cooking characteristics.
| Basmati Variety | Key Characteristics | Commercial Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Basmati | Characteristic aroma and long, slender grains | Premium retail and traditional cuisine |
| Pusa Basmati 1121 | Extra-long grain and substantial elongation | Premium biryani and bulk exports |
| Pusa Basmati 1509 | Long grain and relatively shorter maturation period | Retail, foodservice and exports |
| Pusa Basmati 1718 | Improved Basmati line with long-grain characteristics | Commercial milling and exports |
| Pusa Basmati 1692 | Recognised Basmati variety | Domestic and international markets |
| Pusa Basmati 1847 | Improved variety developed for cultivation and grain quality | Commercial rice production |
| Pusa Basmati 1885 | Improved Basmati variety | Milling and export markets |
| Pusa Basmati 1886 | Improved Basmati variety | Commercial production and processing |
The suitability of a variety depends on the buyer's required grain length, aroma, ageing, elongation ratio, moisture and other contractual specifications. Exporters should also verify the applicable APEDA-approved variety and GI-related requirements.
HS Codes for Indian Basmati Rice Exports
International Basmati rice trade is generally recorded under HS Code 100630, which covers semi-milled or wholly milled rice, whether or not polished or glazed.
At the international six-digit level, HS 100630 does not exclusively identify Basmati rice. It can also cover milled non-Basmati rice.
The Indian ITC-HS classification provides a more specific distinction:
| HS Code | Product Description |
|---|---|
| 10063010 | Basmati rice |
| 10063090 | Other semi-milled or wholly milled rice |
These classifications are useful for exporters, importers and trade analysts examining India's Basmati rice shipments.
For accurate research into Basmati rice export from India, buyers should use the relevant Indian tariff classification and verify the importing country's corresponding customs code. A global HS 100630 trade figure should not automatically be treated as India's Basmati-only export value.
What Exporters Should Check Before Supplying Basmati Rice Internationally
Identifying the right Basmati rice export markets is only one part of developing an international supply business. Exporters must also ensure that their rice meets the required quality, documentation and destination-market standards.
Important considerations include:
- Variety and Grade: Confirm whether the buyer requires traditional Basmati, Pusa 1121, Pusa 1509 or another approved variety.
- Grain Length: Specify the minimum average grain length and acceptable variation.
- Aroma and Ageing: Confirm the required aroma profile and whether aged Basmati is required.
- Broken Percentage: Agree on the permissible percentage of broken grains.
- Moisture: Ensure the consignment meets the agreed moisture specification.
- Sortex Quality: Confirm the required level of removal of discoloured grains and foreign material.
- Residue Compliance: Check pesticide residue limits and other contaminant requirements in the destination market.
- Packaging: Confirm whether the buyer requires bulk bags, retail packs or customised packaging.
- Documentation: Prepare the commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, phytosanitary certificate and other applicable shipping documents.
- Destination Regulations: Verify import duties, food-safety requirements, customs clearance procedures and any pre-shipment inspection conditions.
Export Registration and Compliance in India
APEDA outlines several important requirements for Indian rice exporters:
- Import Export Code (IEC): Obtained from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade.
- APEDA e-RCMC: Registration-cum-Membership Certificate for the relevant scheduled products.
- Phytosanitary Certificate: Issued by the competent plant quarantine authority, where required.
- Registration-cum-Allocation Certificate (RCAC): Required for applicable Basmati rice export contracts under APEDA's prescribed procedure.
- Destination-Specific Compliance: Certain countries have additional requirements relating to registered processing facilities, laboratory testing, food-safety systems and pre-shipment inspections.
For example, APEDA specifies additional requirements for rice exports to destinations such as Saudi Arabia, the United States, China, Iran and European markets. Exporters should verify the latest applicable conditions before accepting an order.
Conclusion
India exports Basmati rice to a wide range of international destinations, with Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, the UAE and Yemen representing particularly important markets. The United States, United Kingdom, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and several other countries also contribute to the international demand for Indian Basmati.
APEDA's FY 2025-26 data records approximately 6.52 million metric tonnes of Basmati rice exports, valued at US$5.67 billion. This demonstrates the importance of Basmati rice within India's agricultural export industry.
For businesses researching India exports Basmati rice to which countries , APEDA's destination-wise statistics provide a useful starting point for identifying established markets. For exporters, understanding Indian Basmati rice export destinations is essential for evaluating buyer requirements, planning international supply and identifying suitable opportunities across global markets.
Disclaimer
The export statistics and destination-wise rankings in this article are based on APEDA and DGCIS data for the financial years mentioned. Export values, quantities and market shares may change across reporting periods. Buyers and exporters should verify the latest trade statistics, applicable ITC-HS classifications, export permissions and destination-country import requirements before entering into a commercial transaction.
