WASHINGTON, May 2: The first shipment of mangoes from India in 18 years arrived in the United States on Tuesday under a deal to end a long ban on the fruit.

India has been pushing to resume exports of its mangoes to the United States ever since they were banned in 1989 over problems with pests such as fruit flies and weevils.

Ceremonies in Washington featured Indian officials and restaurateurs presenting the mangoes to US officials.

US Trade Representative Susan Schwab and Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns each received from Indian Ambassador Ronen Sen the first gift baskets of Indian King Alphonso mangoes.

“This is an important symbolic as well as substantive move. We think we have the best mangoes in the world,” Sen told reporters.

“It should be a tangible benefit for Indian farmers,” he added.

—AFP