India Lifts Wheat Export Restrictions Amid Record Production
The Indian government has lifted restrictions on wheat and wheat product exports, shifting them from the 'restricted' to the 'free' export category. This decision follows a nearly four-year-old ban that was removed in February 2026 due to surplus domestic stocks and prospects of a record harvest.
Under the revised policy, exports of wheat or meslin flour (atta), maida, semolina (rava), wholemeal atta, and resultant atta will now be permitted without restrictions. The government had initially allowed exports of 5 MT of wheat and 1 MT of wheat products, but trade estimates suggest only 0.15 million tonnes of wheat and 0.05 MT of wheat products have been exported since the ban was lifted.
The decision is expected to boost India's milling sector and make it a reliable supplier of wheat and wheat products in the global market. Navneet Chitlangia, president of the Roller Flour Millers' Federation of India, stated that the move would 'not only recognised the strength and competitiveness of India's milling sector but also created a strong platform for Indian millers to re-establish their presence in international markets.'