India has lifted its four-year ban on wheat exports, allowing overseas shipments of wheat and wheat products with immediate effect. The government said the decision will help farmers by improving domestic prices while maintaining sufficient supplies for consumers.
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade has changed the export policy from “prohibited” to “free”. The move covers wheat varieties such as durum, along with flour, maida, semolina and wholemeal atta.
India, the world’s second-largest wheat producer, imposed the export ban in May 2022 after domestic prices rose sharply amid global supply disruptions following the Russia-Ukraine war.
The government later introduced an export quota, allowing 50 lakh tonnes of wheat and 10 lakh tonnes of wheat products. However, only about 2.5 lakh tonnes of the permitted quantity has been shipped so far.
Food Secretary Sanjeev Chopra said the latest decision was taken in the interest of farmers. He said depressed domestic prices could improve if exports increase, encouraging farmers to maintain wheat cultivation during the upcoming rabi season.
India produced a record 120.65 million tonnes of wheat in the 2025-26 crop year, compared with 117.94 million tonnes a year earlier. The Food Corporation of India also holds nearly 49 million tonnes in buffer stocks.
The government believes these stocks and record production provide enough supplies to meet domestic demand while allowing exports.
India’s return to the global wheat market could also provide an alternative source for buyers as disruptions affect shipments from Russia and Ukraine. However, the scale of Indian exports will depend on global prices and the competitiveness of Indian wheat.
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