Parliament Question: Restrictions on Agri Exports

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION No- *498 ANSWERED ON- 27/03/2026 RESTRICTIONS ON AGRI EXPORTS *498. SHRI M K RAGHAVAN: Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government has taken any steps regarding the restrictions imposed on export of agricultural products from Kerala and West Bengal to Saudi Arabia citing Nipah virus concerns, if so, the details thereof including the steps taken by the Government so far; (b) whether the Ministry has coordinated with the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and the concerned State Governments to officially convey the present epidemiological status indicating absence of any recent Nipah outbreak, if so, the details thereof; and (c) whether updated health and phytosanitary certification data has been shared with Saudi authorities to facilitate withdrawal of the restrictions, if so, the details thereof? 1ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH) (a) to (c) A statement is laid on the Table of the House. STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (c) OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO 498 REGARDING “RESTRICTIONS ON AGRI EXPORTS” FOR ANSWER ON 27.03.2026 Yes, the Government has taken steps regarding the temporary restrictions imposed by Saudi Arabia on import of certain agricultural products from Kerala and West Bengal citing Nipah virus concerns. Subsequent to the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia conveying the restrictions to Government of India, the Indian Mission in Riyadh has taken up the matter formally with Government of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to lift the restrictions. It was conveyed to Saudi Arabian authorities that only two laboratory-confirmed Nipah cases occurred in West Bengal in January 2026, both among healthcare workers in a single facility and there is no evidence of community transmission. There is no 2documented evidence of Nipah transmission through commercially traded fruits or agricultural commodities undergoing standard post- harvest handling, washing, sorting and phyto sanitary inspection procedures. Indian agricultural exports follow stringent phytosanitary and food safety protocols that effectively mitigate risks. The Ministry continues to coordinate with relevant GoI Departments and authorities to respond to any additional queries and clarifications from authorities in Saudi Arabia. ***** 3