New Delhi, March 2 -- Basmati rice exporters will meet officials of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (Apeda) this week to assess the fallout of escalating tensions in West Asia, as shipping disruptions and rising freight and insurance costs threaten India's nearly $6 billion basmati trade in FY25, as per people in the know.

The move comes amid growing uncertainty over consignments bound for the Gulf region, which accounts for nearly 60-70% of India's basmati exports. Exporters said that while the immediate damage is still being assessed, several shipments are either stuck in transit or held up at ports, raising concerns over delayed payments and contractual risks if the conflict is prolonged.

"Ex...