We focus on grains and food industry.
We focus on grains and food industry.
We focus on grains and food industry.
We focus on grains and food industry.
We focus on grains and food industry.
We focus on grains and food industry.
We focus on grains and food industry.
We focus on grains and food industry. current time
BIRC 2026 Opens New Routes for India’s Global Rice Trade
India’s position in the global rice trade is gaining another dimension as international buyers increasingly look for direct connections with production and export markets. A recent survey linked to the Bharat International Rice Conference (BIRC) 2026 indicates that overseas buyers see value in travelling to India, where they can connect directly with the country’s farming, milling, processing and export network.
The findings also underline the growing influence of geopolitical uncertainty on international business decisions. Around 37 per cent of registered overseas buyers surveyed for BIRC 2026 said instability in the Gulf had affected their decision-making regarding participation in international trade events. Rising tensions in the region have disrupted travel and encouraged companies to reconsider how and where they conduct sourcing and business meetings.
The BIRC is scheduled to begin at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on October 23. By August 30, the event had attracted registrations from 3,317 international buyers representing 138 countries, highlighting the breadth of interest in India’s rice sector.
Bangladesh has recorded the highest number of registrations at 336 buyers, followed by Benin with 179 and Nigeria with 177. The UAE has registered 145 buyers, while Nepal and the Philippines have 137 each. Ethiopia has 127 registrations and Saudi Arabia 125. Indonesia and South Africa have each registered 109 buyers.
The changing trade environment is encouraging companies to diversify their sourcing and networking locations rather than depending heavily on a single international business hub. Large global exhibitions, including those held in Dubai, continue to play an important role, but specialised commodity-focused events can offer buyers more direct access to suppliers and production centres.
For India’s rice industry, this creates an opportunity to strengthen long-term international trade relationships. Direct interaction between exporters and overseas buyers can help develop repeat business, improve market understanding and establish more stable supply connections across different regions.
Geopolitical tensions have also begun affecting established commercial travel patterns. Conflict involving Iran has contributed to the relocation or cancellation of some corporate gatherings in the UAE. Dubai International Airport experienced a significant decline in passenger traffic during March amid aviation disruptions, while the United States has maintained a Level 3 travel advisory for the UAE because of security and flight-related concerns. The UAE also suspended trade, commercial exchanges and financial transactions with Iran late last month as regional tensions intensified.
The survey, therefore, points to a broader shift in international sourcing behaviour. Rather than replacing established exhibition centres, specialised events in producing countries such as India could increasingly complement them by giving buyers additional locations to meet suppliers and build resilient global sourcing networks.
