Malaysia Warns India-Pakistan Conflict May Disrupt Rice Supply

By Staff, Agencies

Malaysia has warned that rising tensions between India and Pakistan could directly impact its rice imports, raising concerns over food security as the country depends heavily on both nations for essential grain supplies.

The warning comes as military clashes between the two nuclear-armed neighbors intensified following a deadly attack on tourists in Indian-occupied Kashmir last month. India responded with missile strikes across the border, prompting artillery exchanges and reported casualties on both sides.

Malaysian Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu said that political and economic instability in the region poses a serious threat to Malaysia’s food supply chain, particularly rice.

“If a war or tensions occur that affect port operations or delivery infrastructure, rice imports to our country could be disrupted,” he added.

India is Malaysia’s primary supplier of white rice, while basmati rice is predominantly imported from Pakistan. Both varieties are staples for Malaysia’s population of 34 million. Although current supplies remain stable, the government is closely monitoring the situation.

“If the situation in that region escalates, it will certainly have a direct impact on us, particularly in terms of prices and supply continuity,” the minister warned.

Last week, authorities in Pakistan-administered Kashmir urged residents near the Line of Control to stock up on two months’ worth of essentials amid the rising tensions. Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwar ul Haq announced a 1-billion-rupee emergency fund to support food, medicine, and road maintenance for affected areas.

To mitigate potential supply disruptions, Malaysian authorities are strengthening ties with other rice-producing nations in the region, including Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia.

The Ministry of Agriculture has stated that these measures are preemptive, aimed at ensuring long-term stability in the face of growing geopolitical risks.