India-Seychelles bilateral trade |19 October 2023
Restrictions removed
on non-Basmati rice
exports to Seychelles
On July 20, 2023, India announced an export ban on non-basmati white rice and broken rice, which together accounted for approximately half of all Indian rice exports. Only basmati rice was permitted for export.
This decision had a significant impact on Seychelles, and on October 13, 2023, the government of India approved the export of 800 tonnes of non-basmati white rice to Seychelles through the National Cooperative Export Ltd (NCEL). The decision was made during an inter-ministerial committee meeting focused on reviewing prices and ensuring the availability of essential commodities. A notification by the Indian Directorate General of Foreign Trade was issued to implement this decision.
The government of Seychelles had approached the High Commission of India in Victoria in September 2023, requesting a relaxation of the export restrictions on non-basmati white rice procured by the Seychelles Trading Company (STC). This request was promptly granted, emphasising the cordial trade relations between the two countries and recognising the importance of food security in Seychelles.
The warm friendship between India and Seychelles is evident, and this positive announcement will further strengthen the bonds between the people and authorities of both nations.
India's priority for Seychelles aligns with its 'Neighborhood First' policy and the vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region).
Official figures from Seychelles show that total imports from India during the 2021-22 fiscal year amounted to US $49.27 million, while total exports to India for the same period were US $1.63 million.
According to the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade, India's exports to Seychelles reached US $59.83 million in 2022.
The main commodities imported by Seychelles from India include cans that are to be sealed by soldering or crimping, rice, motor cars and other motor vehicles primarily designed for the transport of persons (excluding those of heading 87.02), including station wagons and racing cars.
Other medicaments (excluding goods of heading 30.02, 30.05, or 30.06) consisting of mixed or unmixed products for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, presented in measured doses (including those in the form of transdermal administration systems) or in forms or packaging for retail sale.
Salt (including table salt and denatured salt) and pure sodium chloride, whether or not in aqueous solution or containing added anti-caking or free-flowing agents; sea water.
Other maize (corn); Articles of apparel and clothing accessories (including gloves, mittens, and mitts) for all purposes, made of vulcanized rubber other than hard rubber.
Frozen meat of bovine animals, boneless; Diagnostic or laboratory reagents on a backing, prepared diagnostic or laboratory reagents, whether or not on a backing, other than those of heading 30.02 or 30.06; certified reference materials.
Motor cars and other motor vehicles primarily designed for the transport of persons (excluding those of heading 87.02), including station wagons and racing cars.
Compiled by Vidya Gappy
Photo: T. Narayan/Bloomberg