May 04, Kathmandu - India has begun exporting wheat for the first time in four years, driven by abundant production and rising global prices and freight rates. According to industry sources, Indian traders have started shipping wheat to Asia and the Middle East, making Indian wheat more competitive for buyers in these regions.

ITC, a major multinational consumer goods company, has reportedly loaded 22,000 metric tons of wheat at the western port of Kandla for shipment to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

India, which anticipated a record wheat harvest this year, lifted restrictions on exports after imposing bans in 2022. The ban was initially enforced due to severe heat waves that dried out crops and reduced stockpiles, causing domestic prices to soar to record levels. The restrictions continued into 2023 and 2024, fueling speculation that India might need to resume wheat imports for the first time since 2017.