Mauritius hopes to establish a long-term rice supply agreement with India as part of its overall food security strategy. The island nation, which imports between 50,000 and 60,000 tonnes of rice every year, has traditionally relied on open tenders and different vendors. However, shifting market conditions and trade policies have forced the country to seek long-term partnerships for key food products.
India has been a significant rice supplier to Mauritius, primarily through government-to-government agreements. However, when India banned non-basmati white rice exports in 2023, Pakistan filled the gap. Now that the restriction has been lifted, Mauritius is once again looking to India for dependable and competitively priced supplies.
Rice is crucial to Mauritius’ welfare system. The government subsidises rice for its 1.3 million citizens, delivering a 2.5-kilogram pack for approximately half the market price. Ensuring a consistent supply helps to preserve this critical subsidy and prevents disruptions to public distribution.
For India, the proposed deal provides a steady export channel and the opportunity to reclaim market share from Pakistan. It also strengthens India’s position as a consistent supplier in the global rice trade, as smaller countries are increasingly preferring long-term contracts over unpredictable spot deals.
