India and the Philippines are currently in talks about the latter's possible importation of rice from the South Asian country, its envoy to Manila said Friday, Sep. 1.
Indian Ambassador to the Philippines Shambhu Kumaran said "there is an ongoing conversation between the head of the National Food Authority of the Philippines and of India," although he could not share current updates about the talks.
"They projected some of the requirements," Kumaran said.
The Indian envoy is not certain whether the Philippines would soon start importing rice from India, the largest rice exporter in the world, but he said "there was a projection of some demands" that was discussed.
In July, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., also the concurrent chief of the Department of Agriculture, said he was considering seeking other countries' help to boost the country's rice supply. Aside from Vietnam, he was eyeing India.
"I think we can make a deal with India. Maybe there's someone there we can talk to," Marcos said.
After talks with Vietnam, which already gave export quotations, prices of rice were expected to decrease—an effect that would also be felt if negotiations with India would prosper.