For decades, India’s farm produce has travelled far and wide, from fragrant rice in the Middle East to spices in Europe and coffee in the United States. What’s changing today is the nature of these exports and the way India is positioning itself in global food supply chains. Here are some of the key markets promising a brighter future for Indian agri exports.
Middle East
The Middle East has long been a natural destination for Indian exports, with the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, and Egypt being the major markets for rice, meat, spices, sugar, tea, and fresh/frozen foods. UAE alone imported over USD 1.9 billion (~12%) of agri products in FY25, with Indian rice enjoying the top share.
Shared tastes and long-standing trade ties make it one of the easiest bridges for Indian agriculture. But the story is no longer only about rice or sugar. There is a growing appetite for fresh fruits, frozen products, and ready-to-cook items that suit the busy urban lifestyle in Gulf cities. What started as a trade rooted in tradition is now expanding into modern food choices.
European Union
Europe has always been a challenging yet rewarding market, with the Netherlands alone accounting for ~35% share, followed by Germany and Belgium with ~25% and ~15% share.
India’s agri exports prioritise certified, high-traceability foods such as spices, tea, ready-to-eat foods, rice, and organic produce. Here, compliance with food safety and sustainability norms is strict, and buyers demand traceability right back to the farm.
For Indian producers, this has meant adapting to higher standards, sometimes a difficult process, but one that ultimately helps improve quality across the board. The payoff is not just access to premium consumers, but also the chance to build a reputation for reliability in some of the world’s toughest markets.
ASEAN Market
Closer to home, the ASEAN countries are emerging as promising partners when it comes to agricultural products exports. Key exports include nuts, pulses, spices, fruits/veg, and processed foods. Indian products are well-received in Thailand, accounting for ~25-28% share, Malaysia- ~20-22%, Singapore ~15%, Vietnam ~12%, and Indonesia accounting for ~10%.
More growth is driven by rising incomes and demand for variety/healthier foods. This is where Indian exporters have a chance to meet new demands, while benefiting from shorter shipping distances.
United States: A high-value market
A top market for Indian organic produce, spices, tea, coffee, and marine products- The US remains a high-value destination, especially for Basmati rice, mangoes, and organic foods. Indian agri exports to the US showed strong growth, accounting for 20-22% imports in early FY26.
The US has a vast and diverse consumer base, but also one of the most complex regulatory environments. However, for Indian exporters, this is an opportunity to reach a market that values organic, authentic, and differentiated products. Success in the US market requires resilience and adaptability, but once achieved, it often leads to long-term, high-value relationships.
What connects these markets
Even though each region is unique, a few common threads run through them. Buyers everywhere want assurance of quality, safety, and consistency. Supply chains that can ensure freshness, traceability, and timely delivery are becoming as important as the product itself. Across regions, there is a noticeable tilt towards foods that are processed with care, produced sustainably, and aligned with healthier lifestyles.
India’s agricultural exports now emphasise organic, minimally processed, and sustainably farmed products, building on certifications under the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) and growing demand for natural foods. In 2024-25, organic food exports reached USD 447.7 million, backed by strict compliance frameworks and resilience in supply chains.
Looking forward
Total agri exports for 2024-25: Reached USD 51.9 billion, up from USD 48.8 billion in 2023-24, with exports for Q1 FY26 (April–June 2025) up 5.84% year on year. These numbers indicate that India’s strength lies in its diversity of crops, climates, and farming practices, when combined with stronger processing, packaging, and logistics, can make India a preferred source across many global markets. The challenge is to build systems that support farmers in meeting global requirements while helping exporters stay agile in the face of changing consumer trends.
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