SRINAGAR: Export consignments worth about Rs 346 crore meant for Iran are currently stranded at two major Indian ports, amid disruptions in shipping and port operations linked to the ongoing developments in West Asia, the government informed Parliament on Tuesday.
Responding to an unstarred question by MP Ganapathy Rajkumar P, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada said that cargo, consisting mainly of rice, tea, and pharmaceutical products, is awaiting shipment to Iran.
According to the data provided in the Lok Sabha, 35,962 metric tonnes of cargo valued at about Rs 305.67 crore meant for export to Iran was lying at Kandla Port as of March 1, 2026.
In addition, 5,676 metric tonnes of rice, tea and pharmaceutical consignments worth about Rs 40.72 crore were awaiting shipment at Mundra Port.
The minister said India’s trade with Iran is primarily concentrated in cereals and pharmaceutical products, and that current disruptions in regional shipping and port operations have affected cargo movement.
Government data also shows that Iran remains a key buyer of Indian basmati rice. Exports of basmati rice to Iran stood at 7,90,691 tonnes valued at Rs 5,424.24 crore during April 2025 to January 2026, compared with 6,27,030 tonnes worth Rs 4,861.83 crore during April 2024 to January 2025, according to the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics.
Regarding concerns about a potential 25 per cent tariff threat by the United States against countries doing business with Iran, the minister said no such tariff has been implemented to date.
