Dehydration-responsive alterations in the chloroplast proteome and cell metabolomic profile of rice reveals key stress adaptation responses

•iTRAQ-based quantitative proteomic analysis was carried out in a dehydration tolerant rice variety, Rasi.•The screening of the chloroplast proteome led to the identification of 40 DRPs, involved in key metabolic pathways.•The cellular metabolite profile revealed alteration of tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates.•The global regulation of chloroplast proteome seems to be intimately linked to metabolic rewiring of adaptive responses.