The ongoing conflict in West Asia has led to a 50% decline in basmati rice exports from Punjab, India, significantly affecting local exporters. Bal Krishan Garg, president of the Basmati Millers and Exporters Association, noted that Punjab supplies about 40% of India's monthly basmati exports, which total around 5 lakh tonnes. The conflict has caused freight rates to skyrocket from $350 (approximately ₹32,000) to between $2,000 (around ₹1.85 lakh) and $2,500 (around ₹2.30 lakh) per container. Key shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz are now closed, forcing exporters to reroute their shipments through Abu Dhabi, increasing costs and delivery times. Robin Goyal from GG Agrotech reported a drop in container shipments from 100 to 35 per month due to these logistical challenges. The situation has left exporters facing substantial losses as they struggle to adapt to the new shipping realities.