Rafiq Suleman, the former Chairman of the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP), has described India’s attempt to declare Basmati rice as its product in the European Court as a bluff and a conspiracy against Pakistan.

Rafiq Suleman stated that India had filed a petition in the European Court to declare Basmati rice as its product and revoke Pakistan’s claim. This petition had previously been rejected by the European Union, which recognized Basmati rice as a product of Pakistan’s identity. However, in a bid to undermine Pakistan, India has once again challenged the EU’s decision in the European Court to claim ownership of Basmati rice, exposing India’s conspiracy to the world.

Rafiq Suleman further said that the European Union had clarified that India’s attempt to gain such access would harm its already strained international relations with Islamabad.

He emphasized that Basmati rice holds a unique position among Pakistan’s rice varieties and is widely used for Biryani and Pulao, dishes that have become famous worldwide because of Basmati.

He also pointed out that Basmati rice is grown in Pakistan and India, and its export to Europe comes from both countries. However, India has been continuously trying to attach Basmati rice to its trademark for a long time. This effort has already failed once before.

Rafiq Suleman added that if India continues with this action, it will not only lead to global disrepute but could also reduce the import of Basmati rice from India in the European Union.