Basmati Rice Exports Hit by Crisis in West Asia

27-May-2026 08:06 PM

New Delhi: During the first four months of the current year—specifically January to April 2026—India's total rice exports declined to 8.39 million tonnes,

representing a 1.3 percent drop compared to shipments during the corresponding period in 2025. Notably, shipments of Basmati rice were particularly affected due to the crisis in West Asia, while exports of general-category rice remained satisfactory.

It is worth noting that India is the world's largest exporter of rice, contributing 40–42 percent to the global export market. India's rice exports exceed the combined shipments of the next three leading supplier nations: Thailand, Vietnam, and Pakistan.

Approximately 70 percent of India's Basmati rice exports are destined for countries in West Asia, the Middle East, and the Gulf region; however, shipments to these areas were severely disrupted by the outbreak of major conflict during March and April. Conversely, the export of non-Basmati rice to African nations remained largely unaffected.