Amid disruptions in India's rice exports due to ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia, exporters from Punjab are calling for a barter trade agreement with Iran. This proposal suggests importing crude oil in exchange for rice shipments, settled in Indian rupees. The urgency for this arrangement has intensified following unconfirmed reports of a drone strike on a vessel carrying Indian rice near Dubai port, raising concerns about the safety of shipments in the region. The Punjab Rice Millers Exporters Association (PRMEA) highlighted that over 80% of India's basmati rice exports, which total more than 6 million tonnes annually valued at over ₹55,000 crore (approximately $6.6 billion USD), are at risk due to the instability in Gulf and West Asian markets. Many consignments, totaling 60,000 tonnes, are currently stranded, with rising logistics costs further complicating the situation. Exporters believe that a barter system could stabilize exports and mitigate payment risks during these uncertain times. Additionally, they are urging the Indian government to implement relief measures, such as waiving bank interest and providing financial subsidies to offset losses.