New Delhi: A broad range of overseas markets are showing keen interest in Indian rice, with 3,317 buyers from 138 countries registering for business meetings with Indian exporters, according to the latest data.
The registrations cover markets across South Asia, Africa, the Gulf and Southeast Asia, with Bangladesh accounting for the highest number of buyers at 336. Benin and Nigeria followed with 179 and 177 registrations, respectively.
The UAE recorded 145 registrations, while Nepal and the Philippines registered 137 buyers each. Ethiopia had 127 registrations and Saudi Arabia 125, while Indonesia and South Africa recorded 109 buyers each.
Registrations have also been received from Senegal, Iraq, Somalia, Guinea, Yemen, Cote d’Ivoire, Niger, Australia, Mali, Malaysia, Ghana, Angola and Kenya, covering both established and emerging rice-import markets.
African markets have recorded substantial participation, led by Benin, Nigeria and Ethiopia. Buyers have also registered from South Africa, Senegal, Cote d’Ivoire, Niger, Ghana, Angola and Kenya.
The Gulf region is represented by the UAE and Saudi Arabia, while the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia are among the Southeast Asian markets with registered buyers. The spread of registrations comes as Indian rice exporters look to diversify their overseas customer base.
Dev Garg, Vice President, Indian Rice Exporters’ Federation (IREF), said the registrations reflect the range of international markets currently looking at India. With 3,317 buyers from 138 countries already registered, our focus is to convert this international participation into new trade routes, new buyers and long-term business relationships for Indian rice exporters, Garg said.
The geographical distribution of registrations is relevant to India’s efforts to expand its rice export destinations beyond traditional markets. The previous edition of the initiative had identified potential rice-import markets estimated at Rs 1.8 lakh crore.
The upcoming business meetings are expected to bring overseas buyers and Indian exporters together based on rice varieties, volumes, product specifications and market requirements. An app-based matchmaking system is being used for scheduling these meetings.
The Bharat International Rice Conference (BIRC) 2026, where the meetings will be held, is scheduled at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi from 23-25 October. The conference will also discuss the global rice market outlook for 2027, including crop surveys, price forecasting, shipping, quality and certification, trade policy, sustainability, milling and value-added products.
