India Restarts Wheat Exports as Supplies Strengthen and Production Hits Record Levels

August 25,2026. India has removed its four-year-old restrictions on wheat exports, opening the door for shipments of wheat and a range of wheat-based products including atta, maida, suji, wholemeal atta and resultant atta. The decision comes as record domestic production and comfortable stock levels have eased concerns over supplies and food security. The Directorate-General of Foreign Trade has revised the export policy for wheat, durum wheat and wheat flour products from “prohibited” to “free” with immediate effect. The move marks a significant change in India's trade policy after the government had maintained tight controls on overseas shipments since 2022. India first banned wheat exports in May 2022 amid concerns over rising domestic prices and availability. Restrictions were subsequently extended to wheat flour and other processed wheat products in August of the same year. The measures were introduced to ensure adequate supplies for the domestic market during a period of uncertainty over production and prices. With domestic conditions improving, the government began gradually permitting limited exports earlier this year. It had allowed a total of 5 million tonnes of wheat and 1 million tonnes of wheat products to be shipped through a permit-based system. However, actual exports remained significantly below the permitted quantities, with industry sources estimating that less than 300,000 tonnes of wheat and under 100,000 tonnes of wheat products had been exported so far. The complete removal of the restrictions is expected to provide greater opportunities for Indian farmers, flour mills and exporters by restoring access to international markets. Industry representatives, however, believe exporters may require time to rebuild overseas business because competitors in several markets expanded their capacity during India's absence. The decision could also strengthen India's position in neighbouring and import-dependent markets in Asia, Africa and West Asia. Indian flour and wheat products have traditionally had demand in markets with large populations of Indian-origin consumers, making the reopening particularly significant for exporters of packaged and processed wheat products. The timing of the policy change is also important for global wheat markets. Disruptions affecting Black Sea grain supplies have added pressure to international wheat availability and prices. Increased exports from India could therefore provide an additional source of wheat for countries that depend heavily on imports. For Indian farmers, renewed access to overseas buyers could create additional demand and improve opportunities for price realisation. For exporters, the policy change provides a chance to rebuild markets lost during the four-year restriction period. The government's decision effectively signals a shift from emergency supply management toward a more open wheat trade policy, supported by stronger domestic production and adequate stocks.