Recently, India's export restrictions and prohibitions have been strengthened. According to the Secretariat Report, export taxes for raw materials and relevant products, such as iron ores and concentrates, chromium ores and concentrates, and products of iron and steel, were introduced in 2009. Also, products including non basmati rice, wheat, pulses, and edible oils have been newly subject to export prohibitions since 2007. As such, there is a growing concern over the possibility that export restrictions and prohibitions by some countries can act as a risk factor against the world economy as the situation in the raw material and food markets has become highly unstable. As a result, due consideration is needed in the implementation of export restriction and prohibition measures. Could India provide its position on this issue?
Reply: India's production of certain items to meet its domestic demand like pulses and oilseeds is deficient. In addition, production of certain essential basic food grains like wheat and rice fall on account of draught and other natural calamities. During such times, India imposes export restrictions on specific crops. India accords highest priority to her food security and policies are tailored to reduce impact on vulnerable sections of the society.
