India allowed exports of 2.5 million metric tons of wheat, lifting a 2022 ban, according to a Press Information Bureau statement.

India also allowed exports of 500,000 mt of wheat products, the statement said.

“In view of higher stock availability, softening prices, expected higher production, and the need to prevent distress sales during peak arrivals, the Government’s decision to permit exports will help stabilise domestic prices, improve market liquidity, ensure efficient stock rotation, and further strengthen farmers’ income while national food security,” the statement said.

Wheat stock availability with private entities during the marketing year 2025-26 (April-March) was at about 7.5 million mt, nearly 3.2 million mt higher compared to the corresponding period last year, according to the statement.

Total wheat availability with the Food Corporation of India is expected to reach around 18.2 million mt by April 1, it added.

India had banned wheat and wheat products exports on May 13, 2022, to rein in domestic prices, which had surged 60% from a month ago.

India, the second-largest producer of wheat in the world after China, has set an ambitious target to produce 119 million mt of wheat in MY 2025-26, up 1.3% from the previous harvest, the agricultural ministry said at the National Agriculture Conference – Rabi Abhiyan 2025 on Sept. 17. India produced a record 117.9 million mt of wheat in MY 2024-25, according to estimates from the ministry, published May 28.

Trade participants also expect a record harvest in MY 2025-26 following above-average monsoon rainfall in 2025.

“We are expecting a good crop this year and last year was also a record output. If exports happen, it will help domestic markets too,” a trader based in Mumbai said.

Meanwhile, a Singapore-based grain trade source said that the exports “should be very limited to nearby destinations, since Indian wheat is not competitive.”

Indian wheat was offered at around $280–$290/mt FOB, said local wheat traders.

Platts, part of S&P Global Energy, assessed Australian Premium White wheat FOB at $263/mt on Feb. 16, unchanged day over day.
Source: Platts