India’s rice export trade is facing a major logistics challenge as cargo clearance at Kandla Port has reportedly stretched to around 40 days, raising concerns among exporters over shipment delays, higher costs and potential losses.
The prolonged delays are particularly significant for rice exporters because Kandla is an important gateway for shipments to markets in the Middle East and other destinations. Cargo congestion and slower clearance are leaving exporters with longer turnaround times and creating uncertainty over delivery schedules.
The disruption comes against the backdrop of continuing instability in West Asia, which has already affected shipping routes, freight rates and cargo movement. Earlier government data showed that West Asia-related disruptions had resulted in rice, tea and pharmaceutical cargo being held at Kandla and Mundra ports.
Government records also indicate that the wider regional crisis has affected maritime and air cargo routes, increased freight and war-risk insurance costs, and caused cargo accumulation at ports and logistics hubs. Customs authorities have consequently introduced measures at ports including Kandla to facilitate the movement of stranded export cargo.
For rice exporters, the latest delays could translate into higher storage, handling and financing costs while also affecting contractual delivery commitments. Longer cargo cycles may further complicate vessel planning and increase the risk of missed sailing schedules.
The impact is particularly important for basmati exporters, given India’s strong dependence on Gulf and West Asian markets. Iran, for example, remains a key buyer of Indian basmati rice. Government data showed that India exported 790,691 tonnes of basmati rice to Iran between April 2025 and January 2026, compared with 627,030 tonnes during the corresponding period a year earlier.
The latest bottleneck highlights the vulnerability of India’s agricultural export supply chain to disruptions at ports and along international shipping routes. While India continues to have substantial rice supplies available for export, logistical constraints could limit the speed at which cargo reaches overseas buyers.
Exporters are therefore watching developments at Kandla closely, with any further extension of clearance times likely to increase pressure on shipment schedules and export costs. A faster evacuation of accumulated cargo and restoration of normal port operations will be important to prevent temporary logistical problems from developing into a broader disruption to India’s rice export trade.
