US Hopes India would 'Reconsider' its Decision to Restrict Wheat Exports

Amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the US hopes India would "reconsider" its decision to block wheat exports, with Washington "encouraging" countries not to restrict shipments as this will increase food shortages. India, the world's second-largest wheat producer, has restricted wheat exports to keep domestic prices in check, citing concerns that blistering heat waves could reduce wheat output. 

The decision will aid in the control of retail wheat and wheat flour prices, which have risen by an average of 14-20% in the last year, as well as meeting the foodgrain requirements of neighboring and vulnerable nations.

US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield

during a virtual New York Foreign Press Center briefing on Monday said, "We have seen the report of India's decision. We're urging countries not to impose export restrictions because we believe that doing so will exacerbate food shortages. But you've – again, India will be one of the countries attending our Security Council meeting, and we hope that when they hear the concerns made by other countries, they would reconsider their position."

Thomas-Greenfield

was responding to a query on India's wheat export restrictions.

According to the US envoy, Ukraine used to be a breadbasket for the poor world, but "hunger problems in Africa and the Middle East have become even more desperate since Russia started blocking vital ports and destroying civilian infrastructure and grain silos."