EU Deliberates on Basmati GI Tag Amid Opposition

The European Union is deciding whether to give a special tag called GI to basmati rice from India and Pakistan.

This tag would mean only these countries can sell basmati rice in Europe.

Some European rice sellers don't want this because they might lose money.

India and Pakistan are both trying to get this tag, but there are problems.

Italy doesn't want Pakistan to get the tag because of concerns about child labor and pesticides.

The EU wants India and Pakistan to work together, but India says no because Pakistan included Indian areas in its application.

The US president also said India is selling rice too cheaply, which surprised the rice industry.

The EU says its rules about food safety won't change even after a trade deal with India.