Agricultural Exports to West Asia Resume, Albeit Slowly

23-Mar-2026 12:16 PM

Mumbai: Exports of Indian agricultural products to West Asia had come to a temporary standstill due to the Iran-US conflict, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, and attacks targeting various countries in the Middle East and the Gulf region; however, shipments have now resumed. Nevertheless, the pace of these shipments remains slow.

In addition to difficulties in ship movement, rising freight charges continue to pose a serious challenge for exporters.

Shipping companies, however, are unwilling to lower these rates. Similarly, the uncertain security situation is creating hurdles for the shipment of perishable agricultural products—such as fruits and vegetables—destined for countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar via Dubai.

It is noteworthy that the majority of horticultural products exported from India to the Gulf nations are routed through Dubai. Indian produce first arrives in Dubai and is subsequently transshipped to various other destinations.

According to one exporter, several consignments of onions and vegetables have been dispatched to Khor Fakkan, Fujairah, Dubai, and Muscat.

While cargo movement remains sluggish, freight charges have surged significantly. It is worth noting that, at the beginning of the current month (March), the Dubai Customs Department introduced a temporary, alternative arrangement.

Under this scheme, vessels originally scheduled to dock at Jebel Ali Port are being diverted to Khor Fakkan and Fujairah, from where the containers are transported to their final destination countries via road.

Meanwhile, three vessels carrying Basmati rice from India to Iran have been anchored near the Bandar Abbas port for several days, as they are currently unable to secure a berth at the port.