India, March 4 -- The escalating US-Iran war has begun to disrupt India's seaborne exports, with a build-up of export containers at the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), India's largest port. Global shipping routes have been thrown into uncertainty, with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf terminals after the conflict erupted at the weekend.

Over 1,000 export containers - many carrying perishable goods bound for Gulf markets via Dubai and other UAE hubs, as well as Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Qatar - are have been stranded at the port since Saturday. The cargo includes 150 refrigerated containers (5,400 tonnes) of onions and another 150 consignments of fresh fruit and frozen foods.

Exporters are unable to secure vessel slots o...