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Abstract
This study examined the role of international trade in keeping the food supply chain intact during the COVID-19 lockdown in the Indian context. Using monthly data on quantity arrivals of eight pulses and two oilseeds at domestic wholesale markets, referred to as mandis, and imports, this research focused on the association between domestic food shortages and arrival of imports. Results suggested that when there was a sharp decline in the arrival of food commodities to mandis, it was more likely that imports of those food commodities increased significantly. Furthermore, this association between imports and mandi arrivals was stronger for five major imported commodities during the lockdown period (March-May) of 2020, relative to 2021. This study concluded that international trade helped India overcome, albeit partially, food shortages caused by disruptions in the food supply chains during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.