India has added Vietnam to the countries permitted to export fresh durian. (illustrative photo: VNA)

According to the Plant Production and Protection Department under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, on July 30, 2026, the Indian Government officially authorised the import of fresh Vietnam’s durian for consumption, opening a new export market for Vietnam’s durian industry and is expected to promote agricultural trade between the two countries.

In detail, according to the announcement of India’s Embassy in Hanoi, the Indian Government issued the Plant Quarantine (Regulation of Import into India) Fifth Amendment Order, 2026 under Notification No. S.O. 3828(E) dated July 9.

Following these new regulations, India has added Vietnam to the countries permitted to export fresh durian, whose scientific name is Durio zibethinus, for consumption in the Indian market. Noticeably, India does not require any additional phytosanitary declarations on the Phytosanitary Certificate and does not impose special import conditions on the product.

India opening the market for Vietnam durian is the result of technical exchanges and coordination between the National Plant Protection Authorities of the two countries, while reflecting positive development in agriculture and trade cooperation in the Vietnam-India relationship.

India is a market with a large population, of which the middle class and demand for high-quality imported agricultural and food products are growing. Accessing this market creates an opportunity for Vietnam’s businesses to diversify the export market, reduce dependence on several traditional markets, and enhance the value and position of Vietnam’s durian in the international market.

However, this is a new market for Vietnam’s durian. In the first period, consumption capacity is expected to focus on major cities, premium retail systems, imported fruit stores, restaurants, hotels, and e-commerce channels. Therefore, Vietnamese businesses need to carefully study consumer preferences, purchasing capacity, product specifications, transport methods, and distribution systems to develop appropriate market approach plans.

The Plant Production and Protection Department will continue to collaborate with Indian authorities, units under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and industry associations to guide businesses in implementing exports; while promptly discussing and resolving problems during the process.

According to the specialised agency of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, opening India Market for Vietnam’s durian is a positive signal, however, long-term effectiveness will depend on maintaining quality capacity, obeying regulations, building product credibility, and developing substantive consumer demand.

India adding Vietnam to the list of countries permitted to export fresh durian is not only an opportunity to expand the market, but also poses a requirement to continue to professionalise Vietnam’s durian production, packaging, preservation, and exportation.