Possibility of Rising Demand for Indian Wheat in South Asia

New Delhi: Wheat prices in the international market have increased significantly. Due to disruptions in cheap wheat shipments from Russia and Ukraine, other exporting countries such as the United States, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, and Argentina are getting opportunities to export their wheat at higher prices. As a result, Indian wheat has started appearing attractive and cost-effective for distant South Asian countries.

Countries like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal had been purchasing Indian wheat earlier as well, but after India imposed a ban on wheat exports in May 2022, these countries had to import wheat from other suppliers. Now, as the Indian government has removed restrictions on wheat exports, neighbouring countries are showing renewed interest in buying Indian wheat.

According to a report by the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), India’s wheat exports during the 2026-27 season are estimated to increase more than four times, reaching around 2 million tonnes. The report stated that India has sufficient exportable wheat stocks and that prices remain competitive.

Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka have already started purchasing wheat from India, while countries such as the United Arab Emirates and Indonesia are also planning to buy Indian wheat. India’s government wheat stocks have reached a high level this year, while wheat exports from Russia and Ukraine continue to face disruptions. Bangladesh, in particular, may purchase wheat in large quantities from India.