Key Highlights
- Iran accounts for 13.9% of India's Basmati rice imports in 2025-26.
- Supple Tek, KRBL and LT Foods are major Indian Basmati exporters.
- Shree Jagdamba Agrico has documented business activity with Iran.
- Key varieties include 1121, 1509, 1718 and Pusa Basmati.
- Buyers should compare quality, price, capacity and export history.
- The landed cost depends on freight, insurance, duties, port charges and currency.
- Iranian buyers should verify documentation, payment routes and import requirements.
- Samples, inspections and supplier verification are important before bulk orders.
Introduction:
The Indian rice exporters in Iran clearly know the sheer paramount significance Iran, as a vast and premium rice importer, holds for India. In fact, this Gulf country is one of the second largest basmati rice importers in the Gulf from India after Saudi Arabia. The country held 13.9 per cent of the lion's share in basmati rice imports in the years 2025 and 2026 as evident by the APEDA's data.
India's strong rice-processing and export ecosystem makes Indian rice suppliers for Iran an important sourcing option for buyers looking for bulk quantities. However, the India-Iran rice trade has experienced considerable changes over the years because of market conditions, currency issues, payment challenges, trade policies, and geopolitical developments.
Iran and the Gulf region remain particularly important destinations for Indian Basmati rice. Recent APEDA data shows Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, the UAE, and Yemen among India's major Basmati export destinations. These overall trade dynamics make the region a strategically important market for those legacy rice trading businesses looking for rice exporters from India to Iran. The country's massive import volume makes it highly lucrative for suppliers capable of serving the wider Middle Eastern market.
For businesses looking for rice exports from India to Iran in major cities like Tehran, Isfahan, Tabriz, and Ahvaz , for the purpose of re-supplying, understanding the major suppliers, suitable varieties, sourcing process, and applicable import requirements is essential.
Top Indian Rice Exporters Supplying Rice to Iran and Gulf Markets
It's worth emphasising again that Iran and the Gulf region are among the most important international markets for Indian Basmati rice. Saudi Arabia contributed the biggest 16.6% of India's Basmati rice export share, Iran stood second with an equally massive share of 13.9%, Iraq, its neighbour, stood third with 11.2%, and last but not the least the UAE and Yemen stood fourth and fifth with 8.2% and 5.7% shares respectively in the year 2025 and 26.
This makes the Middle East particularly important for buyers looking for Indian rice exporters to Iran and suppliers capable of serving the wider Gulf region.
The following companies stand out because of their scale, export credentials, established Middle East presence, and documented Iran trade.
1. Supple Tek Industries Pvt. Ltd.
Supple Tek Industries is one of the strongest names to consider when looking for Indian rice exporters in Iran. The company is based in Amritsar, Punjab, and is a major Indian Basmati rice miller and exporter.
CRISIL Ratings identifies Supple Tek as India's largest Basmati rice exporter for the eight fiscal years through FY2026 based on APEDA records. The company has more than 600 international customers across 93 countries and generated export sales of approximately ₹4,181 crore in FY2026.
Supple Tek has substantial processing and packing capabilities and a strong international customer base. Its portfolio includes varieties such as 1121 Basmati, Pusa Basmati, and Traditional Basmati.
Its relevance to Iran is particularly notable. Trade data places Supple Tek among the leading Basmati rice suppliers to Iran , with substantial shipment activity recorded for the Iranian market.
Why Iranian and Gulf buyers may consider Supple Tek:
- Large-scale Basmati processing and export capacity
- Strong Middle East exposure
- Extensive international customer base
- 1121 and other Indian Basmati varieties
- Significant documented shipment activity to Iran
- Private-label and bulk supply capabilities
Best suited for: Large Iranian importers, Gulf distributors, wholesalers, private-label buyers, and bulk Basmati procurement.
2. KRBL Ltd.
When it comes to the biggest basmati rice exporters to Iran, the blog is definitely incomplete without mentioning the name of this group. B2B buyers might know it by KRBl Group, but Indian households remember it through the India Gate Basmati Rice brand.
KRBL operates across the Basmati rice value chain that includes procurement, state-of-the-art processing, branding, and most importantly the international distribution. The company is Headquartered in Noida, Uttar Pradesh.
KRBL has a substantial presence across Middle Eastern markets that makes it is relevant not only to Iranian buyers but also to importers in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Iraq, Kuwait, and other Gulf markets.
The company is also identified among India's main Basmati exporters to Iran. Trade records show KRBL supplying Iranian buyers with products including long-grain Basmati rice.
For buyers looking for premium Basmati with established international branding, KRBL represents a particularly strong option.
Why Iranian and Gulf buyers may consider KRBL:
- Major Indian Basmati rice company
- Strong international brand presence
- Premium Basmati portfolio
- Established Middle East distribution
- Documented Iran-market activity
- Suitable for branded and premium rice segments
Best suited for: Premium Basmati importers, supermarket distributors, branded-rice businesses, and established food distributors.
3. LT Foods Ltd.
LT Foods Ltd. , known internationally for its Daawat brand, is another major Indian rice company relevant to buyers searching for Indian rice suppliers for Iran and the wider Gulf region.
The company operates all across the global Basmati value chain and has built a significant international presence through branded and premium rice products in their vast catalogue.
Since we all know that the Middle East is an important market for Indian Basmati exporters and that major countries like Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, UAE, Yemen, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar are among the key destinations for Indian Basmati rice.
LT Foods is therefore particularly relevant for buyers looking for rice exporters from India to Iran as well as suppliers capable of serving Gulf distribution networks.
Its Daawat brand provides strong recognition in international markets, while its export business serves customers across multiple regions.
Why Iranian and Gulf buyers may consider LT Foods:
- Major Indian Basmati rice company
- Strong Daawat brand recognition
- Extensive international distribution
- Significant Middle East market exposure
- Premium and branded rice offerings
- Suitable for organised retail and distribution
Best suited for: Gulf supermarkets, food distributors, branded-rice importers, and premium Basmati buyers.
4. Shree Jagdamba Agrico Exports Pvt. Ltd.
For an article specifically targeting Indian rice exporters to Iran , Shree Jagdamba Agrico Exports is particularly important because its Iran connection is directly documented.
The company is based in Gharaunda, Haryana, one of India's important Basmati-producing regions. Its APEDA profile states that it has business relationships across Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Yemen, and Kuwait .
The company also states that it was the first company to supply Basmati rice to GTC Iran and has continued receiving rice supply tenders from the Iranian government organisation.
Its product portfolio includes Basmati varieties such as 1121 and Pusa-1509 , making it relevant to Iranian buyers seeking long-grain Basmati.
Why Iranian and Gulf buyers may consider Shree Jagdamba Agrico Exports:
- Directly documented Iran business
- Experience supplying GTC Iran
- Business across Iran and Gulf markets
- Strong Basmati focus
- Experience with government tenders
- Haryana-based sourcing and processing ecosystem
Best suited for: Iranian importers, government/institutional procurement, Basmati wholesalers, and Middle Eastern distributors.
5. Shiv Shakti Inter Globe Exports Pvt. Ltd.
Shiv Shakti Inter Globe Exports is a rice trade company that is well-recognized and is based out of Haryana. It is highly relevant when searching for Indian rice suppliers for Iran.
The company focuses heavily on Basmati rice and operates across all the channels like sourcing for farmers, processing with high-end machines, ageing with the due process, polishing with the finest equipment, and fine grading. It sources Basmati paddy from Haryana, Punjab, and Western Uttar Pradesh.
The company has also been awarded Three Star Export House status, demonstrating its established position in India's export ecosystem.
Trade records show international activity involving Iran and other Middle Eastern destinations, making it relevant for Iranian importers and Gulf distributors.
Its processing capabilities can be particularly useful for buyers with specific grain, quality, and grading requirements.
Why Iranian and Gulf buyers may consider Shiv Shakti:
- Basmati-focused exporter
- Three Star Export House
- Haryana-based Basmati sourcing
- Processing and grading capabilities
- International export experience
- Documented Iran-market activity
Best suited for: Bulk Basmati buyers, wholesalers, distributors, and importers seeking specification-based procurement.
6. GRM Overseas Ltd.
GRM Overseas Ltd. is another established Indian rice company with international exposure and relevance to the Iranian market.
The company has developed a business across both Basmati and non-Basmati rice. This makes GRM particularly interesting for Iranian buyers who want to source different rice categories rather than restricting procurement exclusively to premium Basmati.
Trade data places GRM Overseas among the leading Basmati and rice suppliers to Iran , with significant shipment activity recorded in trade databases.
Its portfolio can therefore appeal to importers looking for a combination of premium and value-oriented rice products.
Why Iranian and Gulf buyers may consider GRM Overseas:
- Established Indian rice exporter
- Basmati and non-Basmati portfolio
- Documented Iran shipment activity
- International distribution capabilities
- Suitable for different market price segments
Best suited for: Importers, wholesalers, distributors, and buyers requiring both Basmati and non-Basmati rice.
Top Indian Rice Exporters for Iran and Gulf Markets
| Rice Exporter | Iran Relevance | Gulf/Middle East Strength | Key Advantage | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supple Tek Industries | Very strong | Very strong | Large-scale Basmati export and processing | Large bulk buyers |
| KRBL Ltd. | Strong | Very strong | Major branded Basmati business | Premium & retail |
| LT Foods Ltd. | Strong | Very strong | Daawat and international distribution | Branded distribution |
| Shree Jagdamba Agrico | Very strong | Very strong | Direct GTC Iran and Gulf experience | Iranian importers & tenders |
| Shiv Shakti Inter Globe | Strong | Strong | Basmati processing and export | Bulk Basmati buyers |
| GRM Overseas | Strong | Strong | Basmati + non-Basmati portfolio | Diverse rice procurement |
The companies above should only be viewed as potential suppliers to research rather than an official ranking or endorsement . It is important to understand that shipment volumes and market positions can change significantly over time, so buyers should independently verify current export status and other pertinent details.
India-Iran Rice Trade: Key Data
Iran has historically been a major destination for Indian Basmati rice. The country's importance to Indian rice exporters is reflected in historical trade data.
| Period | Indian Basmati Rice Exports to Iran |
|---|---|
| 2014-15 | 9.36 million MT |
| 2024-25 | 0.86 million MT |
| Change | Approximately -90.9% |
India's Basmati rice exports to Iran therefore declined considerably over this period. However, Iran remains an important destination in India's overall Basmati export market.
For businesses involved in rice trading between India and Iran , this means current market conditions, pricing, payment mechanisms, logistics, and regulatory developments need to be evaluated before entering into large contracts.
Trade Indian Rice from India to Iran
The rice export from India to Iran involves multiple commercial and logistical considerations. Indian exporters can supply Basmati and non-Basmati varieties according to the requirements of Iranian importers, distributors, wholesalers, restaurants, and food businesses.
The overall cost of importing rice depends on more than the supplier's quoted price.
| Cost / Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Rice price | Determines the basic product cost |
| Quality & grade | Influences the market segment and selling price |
| Packaging | Depends on retail or bulk requirements |
| Freight | Can significantly affect landed cost |
| Insurance | Important for international shipments |
| Port charges | Adds to the final landed cost |
| Payment terms | Important because of Iran-related financial restrictions |
| Import duties/taxes | Must be assessed by the Iranian importer |
| Currency | Exchange-rate movements can affect profitability |
For businesses involved in bulk rice trading India Iran , obtaining a complete quotation and understanding the landed cost is therefore more useful than comparing only the per-tonne rice price.
How to Source Rice from Indian Exporters for Iran
Iranian buyers looking to source rice from India should first define their procurement specifications.
Important requirements include:
- Rice variety
- Grain length
- Broken percentage
- Moisture level
- Crop year
- Milling quality
- Sortex requirements
- Packaging
- Quantity
- Delivery port
- Payment terms
- Required certificates and documents
Recommended sourcing process
| Step | What the Buyer Should Do |
|---|---|
| 1. Define requirement | Specify variety, quality, quantity, and packaging |
| 2. Find suppliers | Identify suitable bulk rice suppliers India |
| 3. Verify exporter | Check company credentials and export history |
| 4. Request samples | Compare physical and cooking quality |
| 5. Compare quotations | Evaluate price, Incoterms, and shipment costs |
| 6. Verify documentation | Confirm required export/import documents |
| 7. Finalise contract | Clearly define quality, payment, and delivery terms |
| 8. Arrange shipment | Coordinate logistics and customs clearance |
Using verified rice export suppliers India can make the sourcing process more efficient, particularly for buyers who do not already have established relationships with Indian rice mills.
Best Indian Rice Varieties for the Iranian Market
India offers numerous rice varieties suitable for different price segments. Iranian buyers have historically shown strong demand for aromatic, long-grain Basmati rice, while non-Basmati varieties can serve more price-sensitive applications.
| Rice Variety | Category | Typical Buyer Positioning |
|---|---|---|
| 1121 Basmati | Basmati | Premium, long-grain |
| 1509 Basmati | Basmati | Premium/value segment |
| Pusa Basmati | Basmati | Aromatic rice segment |
| 1718 Basmati | Basmati | Long-grain premium segment |
| Parmal | Non-Basmati | Value-oriented |
| PR 26 | Non-Basmati | Value/bulk segment |
| IR 64 | Non-Basmati | Price-sensitive bulk market |
| Sona Masoori | Non-Basmati | Medium-grain demand |
For premium buyers, Indian basmati rice suppliers can provide varieties such as 1121, 1509, Pusa, and 1718, subject to availability and buyer specifications.
Bulk Rice Trading Between India and Iran
Bulk rice trading India Iran requires careful attention to supply consistency, logistics, pricing, and payment arrangements.
Iranian importers purchasing large quantities should ideally establish relationships with bulk rice suppliers capable of handling repeat shipments. A supplier that can provide consistent specifications across multiple consignments is often more valuable than a supplier offering the lowest initial quotation.
What Iranian bulk buyers should compare
| Supplier Factor | What to Check |
|---|---|
| Production capacity | Can the exporter fulfil large orders? |
| Product consistency | Does each shipment meet the agreed specification? |
| Export experience | Has the supplier handled international shipments? |
| Quality control | Are testing and inspection processes available? |
| Packaging | Can the supplier meet the required packaging format? |
| Logistics | Can the supplier arrange shipment to the required destination? |
| Documentation | Can the complete document set be provided? |
| Payment | Are commercially workable payment terms available? |
This is particularly important when selecting bulk rice suppliers India for long-term procurement.
Why Choose Indian Rice Exporters for Iran?
There are several reasons international buyers consider India when sourcing rice.
1. Wide variety of rice:
India produces both premium Basmati and numerous non-Basmati varieties, allowing buyers to target different consumer segments.
2. Large production capacity:
India has an extensive rice-processing and milling industry capable of supporting substantial bulk requirements.
3. Competitive sourcing:
Multiple mills and exporters allow buyers to compare prices, specifications, and commercial terms.
4. Export experience:
Indian companies have extensive experience serving markets across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, and other regions.
5. Flexible procurement:
Depending on the supplier, buyers can negotiate grades, packaging, quantities, and shipment schedules.
6. Strong Middle East presence:
Iran, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, UAE, Yemen, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar are all important markets for Indian Basmati rice.
For Iranian importers, working with reliable rice suppliers India can therefore provide greater sourcing flexibility.
How to Find Reliable Rice Suppliers in India for Iran
Finding reliable rice suppliers in India requires proper due diligence. Buyers should not select an exporter based solely on a low price.
A practical supplier evaluation can include:
| Verification Area | What to Check |
|---|---|
| Company credentials | Is the company properly registered for exports? |
| Product | Does the supplier offer the required variety? |
| Quality | Can the supplier provide specifications and test reports? |
| Capacity | Can it fulfil the required quantity? |
| Export history | Does it have experience in international markets? |
| Documentation | Can it provide the required documents? |
| Shipment | Can it meet the required delivery schedule? |
| Commercial terms | Are payment and delivery terms clearly defined? |
Businesses searching for verified rice exporters India should compare multiple suppliers rather than relying on a single quotation.
Indian Basmati Rice Exporters for Iranian Buyers
Iran has historically been one of the most important markets for Indian Basmati rice. For buyers targeting the premium segment, Indian basmati rice exporters offer varieties with different grain lengths, ageing profiles, cooking characteristics, and price points.
The major exporters discussed above—particularly Supple Tek Industries, KRBL, LT Foods, Shree Jagdamba Agrico Exports, Shiv Shakti Inter Globe Exports, and GRM Overseas—provide Iranian buyers with different sourcing options based on scale, product portfolio, branding, and market experience.
For buyers searching for basmati rice exporters to Iran , comparing suppliers according to quality, price, shipment history, and current availability is recommended.
Basmati Rice Buying Checklist
| Requirement | What Iranian Buyers Should Check |
|---|---|
| Variety | 1121, 1509, 1718, Pusa, Traditional, etc. |
| Grain length | Confirm contractual specification |
| Broken percentage | Define acceptable tolerance |
| Moisture | Confirm agreed maximum level |
| Ageing | Specify aged or new-crop rice |
| Milling | Specify raw, parboiled, steamed, or Sella |
| Packaging | 5 kg, 10 kg, 25 kg, 40 kg, 50 kg, etc. |
| Inspection | Agree on pre-shipment inspection if required |
| Documentation | Confirm all required certificates |
Rice Import and Export Requirements for Iran
The rice import requirements Iran can vary according to Iranian regulations, product classification, documentation, and prevailing trade policies.
Indian exporters must also comply with the applicable export requirements. For Basmati rice, APEDA plays an important role because Basmati is an APEDA-scheduled product.
Before concluding a transaction, Iranian importers and Indian exporters should verify the latest requirements concerning:
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Certificate of origin
- Phytosanitary documentation where applicable
- Quality or analysis certificates
- Shipping documents
- Import registration
- Product labelling
- Customs documentation
- Applicable duties and taxes
Because India-Iran trade can also be affected by financial and geopolitical developments, payment routes and logistics should be confirmed before concluding a transaction.
For large transactions, buyers should clearly define product specifications, inspection arrangements, payment terms, delivery conditions, and responsibility for documentation within the contract.
Connect with Verified Indian Rice Exporters for Iran
For Iranian importers, finding the right supplier is the first step toward establishing a reliable rice supply chain. Instead of approaching random suppliers, buyers can compare Indian rice exporters in Iran based on product specifications, capacity, export experience, pricing, and documentation.
Whether you want to buy Indian rice in bulk , source premium Basmati, or identify non-Basmati options for a price-sensitive market, defining your requirements before contacting exporters can make the procurement process significantly more efficient.
India's rice industry offers Iranian buyers a broad sourcing base, including 1121, 1509, 1718, Pusa Basmati, Parmal, PR 26, IR 64, and Sona Masoori . The right choice ultimately depends on the target consumer, required quality, budget, and intended use.
For businesses searching for Indian rice suppliers for Iran, Indian basmati rice exporters, or bulk rice suppliers for Iranian importers , supplier verification remains essential.
Tradologie can help international buyers discover and connect with suppliers for agricultural commodity sourcing, enabling businesses to explore sourcing opportunities based on their specific product and quantity requirements.
Want to connect with Indian rice suppliers who supply to Iran? Register on Tradologie today and access the best market prices.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. Exporter profiles, shipment activity, product availability, import requirements, duties, payment routes, trade policies, and geopolitical conditions may change over time. Buyers and exporters should independently verify current supplier credentials, trade history, product specifications, documentation, applicable regulations, and commercial terms before entering into a transaction.