Iran War Impacts Basmati Rice Exports

10-Mar-2026 11:04 AM

New Delhi. Iran's fierce war with the United States and Israel has been ongoing for the past 11 days, and there appears to be no end in sight.

This is having a serious adverse impact on the export of Indian agricultural and food products, especially basmati rice. Iran itself is a major importer of Indian basmati rice, but the ongoing war there has halted shipments.

Countries in West Asia, the Middle East, and the Gulf region import large quantities of Indian basmati rice. In fact, approximately 45 percent of India's basmati rice shipments are destined for these regions.

Currently, a significant amount of uncertainty prevails in all major rice-importing countries in this region, and the sea route is fraught with danger. Many ships are returning to Indian ports mid-way.