Basmati Rice Exports Hit by Iran Conflict

23-Mar-2026 04:06 PM

New Delhi. An atmosphere of unrest prevails in the Middle East. On one hand, the United States and Israel are carrying out heavy bombardment against Iran and Lebanon; on the other, Iran is also launching continuous, forceful strikes against Israel and against U.S. military bases located in the Gulf region. Consequently, the situation across the entire Arab region has deteriorated.

Iran is a leading importer of Indian Basmati rice. Recently, three shipments of Basmati rice were dispatched to Iran from India.

These vessels have reached the vicinity of Bandar Abbas—one of Iran's busiest ports—but are unable to secure a berth within the port premises.

In fact, due to the ravages of the conflict, the port is currently unable to operate at its full capacity. The situation is expected to remain disrupted until these vessels are allotted berths.

Approximately 60–70 percent of India's Basmati rice exports are destined for countries in West Asia, the Middle East, and the Gulf region.

These nations include Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kuwait, Oman, Yemen, Jordan, Qatar, and Bahrain, among others.