India has notified the World Trade Organisation (WTO) about its export curbs on wheat and sugar, calling these temporary measures to prevent critical shortage of items in the domestic market and stabilise prices.

But, New Delhi gave no indication of the time frame for removal of the export control measures asserting that the procedures would continue till the conditions, which led to them, persist.

“India’s export ban on wheat and restrictions on sugar have been questioned by several countries, including the US and Australia, at the WTO. India has been consistent in its position that the controls were temporary measures to take care of domestic situation, and would be subsequently removed when there is no need for it. This is what has been notified at the WTO,” a source tracking the matter told businessline.

New Delhi has also notified export restrictions imposed in the past on other agricultural items, such as onion and broken rice, which have been subsequently removed.

Ban since 2022

India imposed a ban on wheat exports in May 2022, after an unseasonal heat wave affected the crop and increased domestic prices. Since then, the ban has been in place as the government is focusing on replenishing its stocks that had depleted due to various factors.

“Wheat is a staple food for millions, and ensuring its availability at affordable prices is crucial. Several factors have made the global price of wheat volatile, putting the food security of India, neighbouring countries and vulnerable countries at risk. In light of this, a temporary export control measure has been introduced to prevent a critical shortage of wheat in India,” according to the notification made by India to the Committee on Agriculture on June 10.

Wheat exports may be allowed by the government of India upon requests from importing countries to meet their food security needs, it added.

“The measure will apply until the conditions which made it necessary persist,” per the submission.

To tackle crunch

In case of sugar, India pointed out that a temporary export control measure has been in place since June 2022. It was done by amending the export policy of sugar from ‘free’ to ‘restricted’. Now, the sugar export is allowed only with specific permission from the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution.

“Sugar plays a significant role in the diets of millions, making it vital to ensure that it remains accessible and affordable for all Indians. The temporary export restriction measure is introduced to prevent a critical shortage of sugar and stabilise its domestic price in India,” it said justifying the measure.

Like in the case of wheat, the export restrictions on sugar, too, will apply until conditions persist, stated the notification.

Published on June 12, 2025