India and Pakistan fight for “Basmati” not for Kashmir

Soon after Pakistan formed as a separate nation from India, rivalry between the two nations began. Jammu & Kashmir is the epicenter for the rivalry between India and Pakistan. 

Terrorists have crossed LoC and Indian army killed at the time of retaliation is common for many years. Now, both these nations are boiling Basmati rice for the exclusive EU trade mark. India applied for a trademark that would grant it sole ownership of the basmati title in European Union, setting off a dispute with rival Pakistan.

Pakistan, the global exporter of Basmati rice, has opposed India’s move. The long-grain rice is at the center of tussle between India and Pakistan. The EU label would protect Basmati against imitations and allow it to sell at higher prices at market. Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status tags the Basmati product as inseparably linked to its origin. In July 2018, India applied for PGI status for Basmati rice. Exclusive Trademark would grant India sole ownership of the Basmati title in the EU. Pakistan claims the culinary landscape is Joint Heritage for two nations and will challenge the EU on India’s application.

India is the world's top exporter of Basmati whereas Pakistan stands at fourth position. Pakistan wants to submit a joint application for Trademark with India. Seven states of India have produced a unique variety of rice in the foothills of the Himalayas. This unique variety has grown only in Punjab province in Pakistan. Over the last two decades India has implemented laws to protect legal status on Basmati rice including DNA testing. But Pakistan wants ownership over Basmati rice without taking any such precautions. India and Pakistan should come to one conclusion by September.