Basmati Rice Exports Expected to Normalize

17-Mar-2026 11:08 AM

New Delhi. Although the conflict between Iran and the US has created a tense situation in the Gulf region—thereby disrupting export shipments of Indian rice to the area—overall annual exports are expected to remain either on par with, or slightly higher than, those of the previous financial year.

In fact, the conflict between Iran and the US escalated around February 28; prior to this, Indian Basmati rice was being exported without interruption to all major importing nations across West Asia, the Middle East, and the Gulf region, with no issues reported anywhere.

Undoubtedly, Iran has historically been a major buyer of Indian Basmati rice, and exports to the country have indeed been disrupted due to the conflict.

However, on the other hand, Basmati rice exports have performed robustly in other Muslim-majority nations, including Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Jordan, and Yemen.

While shipments are currently facing minor hurdles in March, export performance through February remained strong. The situation is expected to return to normalcy in the upcoming financial year.