New Delhi, Oct. 23 -- Amid growing geopolitical tensions and disruptions to global shipping and trade due to conflicts in the Middle East, India can emerge as a "strong and reliable" hub for rice industry, said Indian Rice Exporters Federation (IREF) President, Prem Garg.

Addressing the Bharat India Rice Conference 2026, Garg said food security has become a "serious concern" amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, disruptions in the Red Sea and the Russia-Ukraine war, which have affected global shipping and trade, creating uncertainty over freight costs and delivery timelines.

"At a time like this, we believe India can be a strong and reliable meeting place for the world rice industry. We want to build India into a global hub for ric...