India, March 5 -- Around 400,000 tonnes of basmati rice stuck at ports or mid-transit due to shipping disruptions

Freight rates on Asia-Middle East routes surge to $3,500-$4,500 per container

Middle East accounts for 60-70% of India's basmati exports; Iran alone buys up to 20%

Exporters warn rising fuel, insurance and logistics costs are squeezing contracts and cash flows

Industry body urges government to waive port charges and recognise the crisis as force majeure

India's basmati rice exports are facing disruption amid the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel on one side and Iran on the other, as instability along key maritime routes pushes up freight, fuel and insurance costs while affecting container availabilit...