India permits rice exports to Singapore citing ‘special relationship’

Days after a global ban, India has allowed rice exports to Singapore citing the “special relationship” shared by the two Asian nations.

While no formal order has been issued so far, New Delhi explained it was done to “meet food security requirements.”

India previously introduced an embargo on non-basmati white rice in an attempt to control rising prices domestically, The move was followed by a 20% duty on exports of parboiled rice.

"India and Singapore enjoy a very close strategic partnership, characterised by shared interests, close economic ties and strong people-to-people connect," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said.

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"In view of this special relationship, India has decided to allow the export of rice to meet the food security requirements of Singapore," Bagchi said.

The MEA spokesperson said this while responding to media queries on the export of rice to Singapore.

(With PTI inputs)