Browse Data and Analysis

India is the world’s most populous country and boasts one of the fastest growing economies in the world. As Indian households continue to reach higher levels of consumer spending, imported agricultural products are becoming more accessible to a larger number of people.

Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are a legume full of protein, fiber, complex carbohydrates, and are relatively low in calories. Chickpeas are used in many Indian and Mediterranean dishes. Australia, India, and Canada are the top three chickpea exporters accounting for more than 40 percent of the world’s exports in 2022. Pakistan is the largest importer, followed by the European Union, Bangladesh, and Turkey.

On September 5, 2023, and just in time for the G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Summit, India’s Ministry of Finance issued Notification No. 53/2023 (Customs), officially notifying the lifting of retaliatory tariffs imposed in 2019 on U.S.-origin almonds, apples, chickpeas, lentils, and walnuts effective September 6, 2023.

Through its phased-in tariff reductions, the agreement will raise challenges for U.S. products including wine and spirits, cotton, pulses and beans, forest products, and tree nuts.

On March 29, 2022, India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry MOCI) issued Notification No. 63/2015-2020. This notification extends the unrestricted (free) import policy for pigeon peas (Cajanus cajan) and urad/black gram lentils (Vigna mungo) to March 31, 2023 (favorable treatment had been set to expire on March 31, 2022).

On February 12, 2022, India’s Ministry of Finance notified that it is removing the 10 percent Agriculture Infrastructure Development Cess/tax (AIDC) on imports of lentils (HS 0713 40 00) with effect from February 13, 2022, through September 30, 2022.

Since March 1, 2021, the Indian government’s Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has required a mandatory Non-Genetically Modified (GM) and GM-Free status certificate status for the 24 listed crops in its order.

On September 17, 2021, India’s Ministry of Finance issued Notification No. 44/2021-Customs. The basic import duty on U.S.-origin lentils is increased from 10 percent to 20 percent.

India is lowering the basic import duty on lentils (HS 0713.40.00) from 10 percent to zero percent for all origins, except for U.S.-origin lentils.

India's 2012 and 2016 labeling requirements for bulk food products will remain in effect until new standards and regulations take effect in November.

India's Ministry of Commerce has lifted import volume restrictions on select pulses.

The Indian HRI sector continues to expand as consumers increasingly demand a greater variety of food and beverage products at hotels and restaurants.