Experts believe that the record stock of rice in government warehouses at the beginning of December could give India an opportunity to strengthen its position in the global market. As the world’s largest rice exporter, India’s stocks have risen by 12 percent, reaching the highest level recorded for this period. This increase is mainly due to accelerated procurement of the new rice crop, purchased in large quantities from farmers by state-run agencies. By December, total rice stocks in government warehouses, including unmilled paddy, reached 5.757 million metric tons. This is well above the government’s buffer target of 0.761 million tons set for 1 January, indicating a strong position from a food security perspective. However, the surge in stock also points to new market and trade signals. Alongside rice, wheat stocks have also seen a notable rise. At the beginning of December, government wheat stocks were recorded at 2.914 million tons, compared to 2.06 million tons during the same period last year. The increase in both key cereals highlights the active role of government procurement policies. Government agencies had to purchase large quantities of paddy from farmers, as open-market prices remained below the minimum support price. To ensure farmers receive fair prices, the scope of government procurement was expanded, leading to rapid accumulation of stocks in warehouses. These policies have strengthened the Public Distribution System and overall food security, while also creating potential opportunities for export expansion. If the government adopts a policy stance favorable to exports, India could increase its supply to international markets, potentially putting competitive pressure on countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, and Pakistan. Domestically, rice availability remains adequate. Along with government stocks, private traders also hold inventories for export, suggesting that India’s rice supply may remain stable or increase globally in the coming months. However, maintaining such large stocks brings financial and storage challenges for the government. Prolonged storage increases costs, posing a question for policymakers about how to best utilize the surplus whether through exports, welfare programs, or open-market sales. Overall, government stockpiles reinforce India’s food security and provide a strategic advantage in the global grain market. The coming months will show how this surplus is managed for both domestic and international needs.