India has lifted the ban on wheat exports

India has lifted its years-long ban on wheat exports amid improved domestic supplies and record stockpiles. The decision takes effect immediately and covers durum wheat, as well as flour and other processed wheat products, Bloomberg reports.

India had largely banned wheat exports since 2022, when a surge in global prices and a heatwave raised concerns over domestic food security. In February 2026, the government partially eased the restrictions by allowing limited shipments, and has now fully reopened exports.

India’s return to the global market has been supported by strong harvests in recent years. The country’s latest wheat crop reached a record 120.6 mln tons, while USDA forecasts that stocks at the end of the 2026/27 marketing year could also reach a record high, indicating that an exportable surplus is available.

The resumption of Indian shipments could increase wheat supplies for importers across Asia, Africa and the Middle East at a time when exports from the Black Sea region are again facing serious disruptions. Escalating attacks on ports and commercial vessels in the region have already pushed Chicago wheat futures to a two-year high.

At the same time, Indian wheat is typically less competitive on the global market due to higher domestic prices. However, amid constrained Black Sea supplies, the return of one of the world’s largest wheat producers to the export market could provide an additional source of supply and partly ease pressure on the global wheat market.

Tags: export, wheat, India