Newsroom, March 06, 2026: The ongoing conflict in West Asia, triggered by recent strikes involving the US and Israel on Iran, has severely disrupted shipping routes to the Middle East.
Around 3,000 containers holding 60,000 metric tonnes of basmati rice remain stranded at Indian ports like Kandla and Mundra. Freight rates have surged 20-40%, making shipments unaffordable for many exporters during peak season.
Industry groups, including the Indian Rice Exporters Federation, have appealed for urgent measures: recognition of the crisis as exceptional circumstances, waivers on port charges, and support for redirecting or returning cargo.
West Asia accounts for a major share of India's basmati exports valued at roughly ₹25,000 crore annually, with basmati making up nearly 90% of rice sent there.
Broader estimates suggest up to 400,000 tonnes affected across ports and transit, hitting peak trade ahead of key periods like Ramzan.
