The recent uptick in Basmati rice prices is driven by increased international demand and not linked to geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan, according to the All India Rice Exporters Association (AIREA).AIREA President Satish Goel clarified that the export prices of Basmati varieties 1509 and 1718 have seen a slight rise since March due to higher demand from countries like Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Iraq. “The price movement is demand-driven. There is no disruption in trade due to India-Pakistan tensions,” Goel told news agency PTI.He emphasized that export operations continue without interruption and all orders are being fulfilled smoothly.Backing this view, former AIREA president Vijay Sethia noted that the prices of the 1509 variety, which peaked at Rs 62 per kg in September 2024, declined following a bumper harvest. A significant arrival of paddy in key producing regions had pushed prices down to Rs 52 per kg by February.However, rising demand in March nudged prices up to Rs 58 per kg, still below their September highs. “The current rise is purely market-driven and has no correlation with the political situation,” Sethia added.India exported approximately 6 million tonnes of Basmati rice in FY 2024–25, while Pakistan accounted for around 1 million tonnes.