India-Pakistan conflict puts Asia’s rice supplies at risk of trade turmoil, rising prices

The deepening conflict between India and Pakistan may threaten food security across Asia, officials and analysts have warned, with import-dependent countries raising concerns over rice supplies if the crisis disrupts trade and increases global commodity prices.

India launched air strikes and missiles at Pakistan on Wednesday following last month’s deadly attack on tourists in the Indian-administered region of Kashmir.

Pakistan retaliated early on Thursday morning, signalling that a dangerous escalation in hostilities may be ahead.

India is the world’s biggest rice exporter – with Pakistan the fourth largest – and both countries sell onions and other essential foodstuff to import-reliant Southeast Asian nations.

Any prolonged conflict between the nuclear-armed rivals risks choking off these vital supplies or driving up prices – with Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia especially vulnerable to trade disruptions.

On Wednesday, Malaysia’s Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu warned that it would be forced to look elsewhere for rice if the conflict spread to ports and trade facilities.