Indian basmati rice has received huge appreciation from around the world. And the amount of basmati imported from India by most countries makes it quite evident. Be it the royal kitchens in the Middle East or the gourmet restaurants in North America and European nations, India’s extra-long grains of basmati with rich aroma and authentic taste make it a perfect choice. All these countries have put their trust in basmati rice wholesalers in India, who offer consistent quality and timely supply.
We at Shree Krishna Exports (Tasty Grain), being one of them, understand these global demands. We ensure that we maintain international quality standards and deliver the best quality and the right rice variety to respected countries. Through this blog, we will explore which nations across the globe buy the most premium basmati rice from India.
Quick Facts:
Before we jump to discover countries that import premium basmati rice from India, let’s explore some quick facts regarding the same.
- In the financial year 2025-2026, India exported around 6,521,797 metric tonnes (MT) of basmati rice globally.
- According to AIREA (All India Rice Exporters Association) and APEDA statistics, Saudi Arabia was the largest importer, followed by Iran, Iraq, the UAE, the United States, the UK, and other countries.
- Total premium basmati exported to Saudi Arabia was over 1.15 to 1.25 million MT in FY 2025 – 26.
- Iran, being the second largest importer, holds the total share of 900,000 to 950,000 MT, and Iraq, in third place, holds the total share of 750,000 to 800,000 MT.
- Among the wide variety of premium basmati rice, 1121 basmati topped the list, including 1121 golden sella, 1121 premium aged, and 1121 steam rice. Apart from 1121 basmati rice, 1509 raw and sella basmati were also on the list.
Why Indian Premium Basmati is in High Demand?
Premium Basmati is known for its qualities, making it perfect for both household and commercial use. Some of the reasons why it has gained popularity across the international market are:
- Extra-long and slender grains
- Rich aroma and authentic taste
- Fluffy, non-sticky texture after cooking
- Suitable for preparing biryani, pulao, and international cuisines
- Longer shelf life due to proper aging
Countries that Import the Most Premium Basmati Rice from India
India, being the largest exporter of Basmati rice, exports to more than 140 countries in the global market. Some of these countries have a high demand for premium basmati rice, which also increases the overall demand. The nations include:
Middle East – The Middle East always tops the list among the largest buyers of Indian premium basmati rice. The countries in the Middle East that source rice from India include Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar.
Iran – Considering the favorable trade conditions, Iran has been among India’s biggest Basmati importers. They import basmati rice for both everyday cooking and special occasions.
United States – Due to the increase in the Indians migration, the demand for premium basmati rice has increased in the US market. It has also become a part of several international cuisines, increasing its overall consumption.
United Kingdom & Europe – The UK is one of the largest European markets for Indian Basmati rice. Several European countries are importing basmati rice every year from India, including Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, and a few more.
Canada – It is continuously buying premium Indian Basmati, mainly 1121 basmati varieties, to cater to multicultural populations, due to the increase in the demand for basmati rice across commercial food businesses.
Conclusion
Considering this quantity, 6,521,797 metric tonnes (MT), we can say that the demand for premium basmati rice is increasing year by year across the international market. And this demand is expected to rise; however, we can witness fluctuations due to geopolitical reasons. As a top basmati rice wholesaler ourselves, we at Shree Krishna Exports (Tasty Grain) are continuously increasing our rice production capacity while maintaining quality to export authentic basmati rice that meets global expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions
1121 basmati rice varieties and 1509 basmati rice are the two most popular premium basmati varieties in the global market.
Yes, importers can order private-label basmati rice and Indian exporters like Tasty Grain (Shree Krishna Exports) are successfully meeting such demands by offering private label and customized packaging solutions.
Direct sourcing from basmati rice wholesalers provides authentic quality and organic basmati rice with competitive pricing, consistent & timely supply, and access to a wider range of premium basmati varieties.
