Key facts
- Basmati rice and tea exports to West Asia have stopped due to the US-Israel conflict with Iran.
- The Strait of Hormuz is reportedly shut, affecting shipments.
- Three vessels carrying 100,000 tonnes of basmati rice are waiting at Kandla Port.
- West Asian countries account for approximately 50% of India's basmati rice exports and 46% of its tea exports.
- An attack on the Indian-flagged vessel MT Marivex near the Strait of Hormuz has increased caution among exporters and shipping lines.
Exports of basmati rice and tea from India to West Asia have come to a standstill amid the ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran, which has led to concerns over the security of the Strait of Hormuz. Exporters reported that shipments, which had become intermittent since the conflict began in late February, have completely stopped over the past four to six days.