India has imported about 12,000 tonnes of wheat from Australia at $310-$315 a tonne despite overflowing grain bins at home as some flour millers and traders find it more economical and convenient to purchase high-protein wheat from overseas.
"Some flour millers down south were looking for high-protein wheat and we found imports easier in terms of both costs and logistics," said a trader from the southern city of Bangalore.
Two Delhi-based traders also confirmed the deal.
The central state of Madhya Pradesh does produce high-protein wheat, typically used to make pasta and noodles, but high local prices and freight costs encourage millers near India's southern ports to turn to exporters such as Australia.