New Delhi (PTI): Despite heightened Indo-Pak tension, the two countries see eye to eye at least on one issue -- protecting the sub-continent's treasure crop, Basmati -- from multinationals seeking patent on it.

In spite of the fact that the two countries are at present engaged in a war of words in the wake of the Mumbai attacks, their trade and agriculture officials are likely to meet soon to form a joint strategy to protect the world-famous product, an official said.

"The political tension will not affect talks on the issue of joint registration of Basmati under Geographical Indication (GI)," a senior official said.

While officials met in Islamabad just before the Mumbai attacks in November, they are expected to meet here "in the first quarter of 2008", the official said.

They will be assisted by agricultural scientists of both the countries to sort out differences over the properties of the rice before it qualifies for being called Basmati.

Differences relate to the change in definition sought by India, which Pakistan says, would dilute the characteristics of the product.

"In the next meeting we will try to freeze the agreement," the official said.

Only the two countries grow Basmati rice, which are unique to the sub-continent. India grows Basmati mainly in Punjab and Haryana. The aromatic rice is also grown in the Punjab province of Pakistan.

Attempts have been made by global firms to walk away with the 'Basmati' title of the grain grown elsewhere.

India exports Basmati worth USD 1.5 billion annually to Gulf and Europe, and competes with Pakistan in these markets.

Once a commodity is granted GI, it is protected against grant of patent outside the region it is grown in.