Sri Lanka, Jan. 15 -- The rebound placed shipments close to the 2022 record of 22.3 million tonnes and reinforced India's position as the world's largest rice exporter.

Officials said exports recovered quickly after New Delhi removed curbs that had been imposed between 2022 and 2023 to protect domestic supplies and control food inflation.

"Indian shipments rebounded quickly after the government lifted export restrictions" in March, a government official said, requesting anonymity because he was not authorised to speak to the media.

The renewed flow of Indian rice into global markets has reshaped trade patterns across Asia and Africa.

Increased availability from India curtailed shipments from rival exporters Thailand and Vietnam and p...