India, the leading global rice exporter, is likely to maintain restrictions on overseas sales, holding rice prices close to 2008 highs. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s reelection bid prompts continued curbs to curb domestic price surges. Export duties, minimum prices, and limitations on certain rice varieties persist. Prices hit a 15-year high in August, hindering vulnerable importing nations. Despite concerns over El Niño affecting crops and Thailand’s expected output drop, India’s pivotal role creates challenges. Modi’s government aims to secure domestic supplies, with the ongoing global rice market squeeze impacting nations like the Philippines and Indonesia. The U.S. rice industry deems India’s export ban unnecessary, anticipating future market distortions.