As the media indicated, India and Pakistan are the largest manufacturers of Basmati rice in the world.
India insists on the exclusive right to use the name “Basmati” and seven years ago applied to protect this name in the EU market (is still being considered).
At the same time, Pakistan also submitted a competing application in 2023, emphasizing that the Basmati rice is grown in four areas of Kashmir – the disputed region, which is controlled by Pakistan, and India considers his own.
European officials note that the approval of the Pakistani application may actually mean recognition of Pakistan's sovereignty over Kashmir, which will cause the anger of India.
The processes on the applications of the two countries go in parallel, the EU delegation in Pakistan said. Both are “considered carefully”, and in the European Commission they understand their “sensitive character”, added to the delegation.
Context
Both for India and Pakistan Basmati – a symbol of national pride, wrote FT. This variety of rice is mainly grown in the Penjab region – the territory that is divided between India and Pakistan. Basmati is sold at $ 200-300 more expensive per ton compared to other rice varieties.
The Ministry of Trade of India announced after the visit of the EU trading delegation that New Delhi is working with Brussels to complete the free trade agreement, which “will benefit business and consumers on both sides.”
