ARTICLE 2 #India Rice News

"This initiative is part of India-UN Global Capacity Building Initiative launched on 1st August 2025 by Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, in New Delhi," read a statement issued by the Indian Embassy in Nepal.

Both countries, the world’s top producers of basmati, seek exclusive rights to use the label, claiming geographic and cultural ties to its origin. India, having waited seven years for EU approval of its geographic indication (GI) application, is pressuring the EU to recognize its claim, while Pakistan’s rival application includes regions in Pakistan‑administered Kashmir—territory claimed by India—making the issue highly sensitive.