The India-Pakistan Basmati rice issue is a dispute over the ownership of the Basmati rice brand. The dispute centres on the use of Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status, which grants intellectual property rights to products associated with a specific geographical region. PGI status allows products to be sold at higher prices due to recognised quality.
India and Pakistan are fighting a global battle over Basmati rice. Pakistan has won the battle at the beginning. In fact, both New Zealand and Australia have officially recognized Basmati as a Pakistani product. Now this battle has reached the European Union. Both India and Pakistan are hoping that the decision will come in their favor. The country that wins this battle will be granted Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status, which provides intellectual property rights to products associated with a specific geographical area.
What is at stake?
Export economy: Basmati rice is a major agricultural product for both countries and is an important part of their export economies. Both countries earn a large amount of foreign exchange every year by exporting Basmati rice. Basmati rice is famous all over the world for its aroma and taste.
Cultural significance: Basmati rice is an integral part of the cuisines and cultures of both countries. Basmati rice is often cooked in homes on special occasions or important occasions such as weddings.
Quality recognition: PGI status allows products to be sold at higher prices due to recognized quality. Both countries are trying their best to get it. Whichever country gets this status will be able to determine the prices of Basmati rice globally.
What is happening?
PGI application: India applied for PGI status in 2018, but Pakistan opposed the application. Talks between the two countries are stalled. India and Pakistan have filed lawsuits against each other in the European Union and India.
What is the history?
In 1998, the UK government launched a project to test the purity of Basmati rice. In 2001, India and Pakistan petitioned the US Department of Agriculture and the Federal Trade Commission to prevent rice grown in the US from being labelled as Basmati.