Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar, after meeting the farm ministers from South Asian countries, told reporters that "We have set aside two million tonnes of wheat that will be given to countries which have been asking for it through diplomatic channels".

Although India had banned wheat exports in 2007, analysts say that robust output and higher stocks at government warehouses have enabled India, the world's second-biggest producer, to set aside some wheat for overseas supplies.

Food Corporation of India will have at least 6 million tonnes extra wheat in godowns on April 1 after accounting for reserves, a part of which can be exported if global prices are attractive. The Minister also informed that India will surpass the previous year's bumper wheat output of 78.4 million tonnes.