DW, Marta Grudzinska, 08/28/2026
One of the world's most valuable rice varieties comes from a region now divided by a border. India and Pakistan both claim basmati, but the EU has yet to decide who can claim the name.
The fight over basmati rice has become one of the most complex disputes in the global food trade. Both India and Pakistan claim the premium, aromatic rice as part of their agriculture and cultural heritage, and both are seeking European Union recognition for its geographical origin.
But years after the first application was filed in 2018, the EU has yet to decide how the name should be protected and by whom.
Basmati is among the world's most valuable rice varieties, generating significant export revenues and carrying strong historical ties to the Punjab region, which spans both countries.
Meanwhile, experts warn that widespread misuse of the name on international markets could undermine future protection altogether. As Brussels weighs its options, the outcome could have far-reaching consequences.
