India’s quest for getting a Geographical Indication (GI) for its Basmati rice met with a setback as the European Commission (EU) has accepted an objection filed by the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP).

According to a report in Dawn, the REAP on Monday announced that their “Reasoned Statement” opposing India’s GI tag for Basmati rice was accepted by the EU. Earlier on 7 December last year, it had filed a notice of opposition and then February 5 this year submitted its Reasoned Statement.

The admission now makes the REAP a party to the case deciding the GI tag for India. Now all parties to the case would hold a three months consultation to proceed further on the case.

Currently, the case is in its third stage where the parties involved in it are encouraged to hold discussions to reach an amicable solution. If they fail, the case will enter into the fourth stage where a trial will begin in the tribunal of DG Agriculture, EU Commission.

Earlier, on 26 January, Pakistan got a GI tag for one of its Basmati varieties, further strengthening its position to block any attempt by India to get the same for Indian rice.

The Pakistani body was quick to object as India played down its claim on the rice variant.