Iran-bound Basmati shipments stranded at Indian ports

The Israel-Iran conflict has impacted India’s rice exports, with around one lakh tonnes of basmati rice destined for Iran stranded at Indian ports, the All-India Rice Exporters Association said. With Iran accounting for 18–20% of India’s total basmati rice exports, the consignments, mainly stuck at Kandla and Mundra ports in Gujarat, remain undelivered, according to association.

The association is in touch with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) under the Ministry of Commerce. A meeting with Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal is scheduled for June 30 to discuss the crisis.

The shipping disruption adds to the challenges facing Indian rice exporters, who have previously grappled with payment delays and currency issues in the Iranian market due to international sanctions.
India exported approximately 6 million tonnes of basmati rice in 2024–25, with demand primarily driven by Middle Eastern and West Asian markets. Other major buyers include Iraq, the United Arab Emirates and the United States.