US restricts import of areca leaf sheath dinnerware: PM Modi urged to intervene for lifting of curb
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Bengaluru: Experts from Karnataka, which is the largest arecanut producing state in the country, have expressed worry that the US restrictions on dinnerware made from areca leaf sheath will affect the prospects of the farmers and entrepreneurs and have requested an intervention from Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the matter.
Early May, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an import alert and restriction on biodegradable dinnerware made from areca nut leaf sheaths, including plates, cups, and related products. There were claims made that naturally occurring alkaloids in the areca leaf sheath may migrate into food and may pose health risks, reports The Hindu.
As this is expected to hit the prospects of areca farmers and entrepreneurs in areca-growing areas of the state, more than 100 scientists, medical experts and academicians wrote to the PM, asking him to convince the US to lift the restrictions.
Around 1,000 metric tonnes of areca leaf dinnerware have been exported from Karnataka, primarily to the US, as well as to Germany, the UK, Australia, Netherlands, and Canada in recent years. Currently, over 600 enthusiastic entrepreneurs and startups, along with thousands of skilled workers in Karnataka alone, are actively engaged in this eco-friendly sector, they have informed the PM.
With reference to the financial gains, they said that the rate for areca-based dinnerware currently stands at approximately Rs 3,500 crore in the global market. The price expected to double by 2030. India has emerged as a major player, contributing nearly Rs 2,500 crore, with Karnataka leading the country in the manufacturing of areca palm leaf tableware and dinnerware, they pointed out.
Opining that the restrictions were imposed based on ambiguous and unsubstantiated claims and alleging that the US government’s move was unjustifiable against a time-tested, eco-friendly product native to India, they said it reflected the Western world’s dominance in scientific and regulatory matters, along with moral hegemony.
The experts have written to the PM asking him to take urgent steps on both diplomatic and regulatory grounds to counter the unsubstantiated claims and ensure that the curbs are lifted. They also asked him to demand the US authorities to provide a definition for ‘acceptable alkaloid thresholds’ and to provide technical, regulatory, and other necessary support to Indian manufacturers to meet the standards agreeable to the markets.
Further, they appealed for a panel to conduct a research on the safety of arecanut consumption and the use of its by-products through premier institutions as a scientific approach will address the challenge effectively and also strengthen India’s position as a leader in sustainable, tradition-rooted enterprises.
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Oppn, X users flag concerns over US envoy Sergio Gor’s visit to Army’s western command
New Delhi: A visit by the US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, to Chandigarh on Monday has triggered sharp criticism from opposition leaders and social media users, raising questions about national security and foreign policy.
On X, Ambassador Gor announced his visit, writing, “Just landed in Chandigarh. Looking forward to visiting the Western Command of the Indian Army.”
Just landed in Chandigarh. Looking forward to visiting the Western Command of the Indian Army
— Ambassador Sergio Gor (@USAmbIndia) February 16, 2026
Soon after, opposition voices questioned the broader implications of the visit. Congress Kerala, in a post, commented, “Why so much panic? We’ve already seen Pakistan's ISI getting access to Pathankot Airbase with this government's blessings. Didn't they say then ‘Modi ne kiya ho to kuch soch samajh kar kiya hoga?’ Compared to that, this is very small.”
Why so much panic? We’ve already seen Pakistan's ISI getting access to Pathankot Airbase with this government's blessings.
— Congress Kerala (@INCKerala) February 16, 2026
Didn't they say then "Modi ne kiya ho to kuch soch samajh kar kiya hoga?"
Compared to that, this is very small. pic.twitter.com/gNNuAGQBPC
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi also weighed in, writing, “Since India’s national strategic interests are now tied to what US wants India to do, this visit seems to sync with that.”
She further added, “India’s history will remember the de-escalation announcement between India and Pak was announced on social media by the US President before Indians got to know from their own government. US Ambassador is doing the job for his nation, who is doing for us? The answer is blowing in the wind.”
Since India’s national strategic interests are now tied to what US wants India to do, this visit seems to sync with that. India’s history will remember the de-escalation announcement between India and Pak was announced on social media by the US President before Indians got to… pic.twitter.com/rYMq5NhJHA
— Priyanka Chaturvedi🇮🇳 (@priyankac19) February 16, 2026
The visit comes against the backdrop of the growing US-India defence partnership.
Writer and political analyst @rajuparulekar commented on ‘X’, “East India Company is back!”
“Is it allowed for an ambassador to visit any army unit in india?” asked another user.
Several X users expressed concerns over the appropriateness of the visit.
One asked, “Is it allowed for an ambassador to visit any army unit in India?” Another wrote, “Why an ambassador visiting our army places? To talk to Chandigarh lobby for F-35?”
Why an ambassador visiting our army places ? To talk to chandigarh lobby for f-35 ??
— Rohan Sagar (@RohanSagar03) February 16, 2026
“We have completely sold Indian sovereignty. Rothschild the evil Bankers will now control NSE. Modi sold Bharat Mata to Trump . And now American imperialist is visiting our army command . Scary,” wrote another user.
“The Indian Army isn’t part of geopolitics, so why is he interested in visiting there?,” opined another.
The Indian Army isn’t part of geopolitics, so why is he interested in visiting there?
— Aditya Pratap Singh (@Adi_IIMCIAN) February 16, 2026
On Sunday, Gor welcomed Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), highlighting efforts to expand the growing US-India defence partnership.
In a post on X, Gor wrote, “Delighted to have @INDOPACOM Commander Admiral Samuel Paparo in India to expand the U.S.-India defense partnership. Now is the time to strengthen vital cooperation between our two nations.”
On Monday, Admiral Samuel J. Paparo Jr visited the headquarters of India’s Western Army Command along with the American envoy Sergio Gor. The delegation was briefed on the formation’s capabilities, its past operations, and future plans.
The American delegation also visited Bengaluru, where they met three start-ups, two in the space sector and one in defence, and participated in an Indo-US conference.
