The President of All India Rice Exporters Association said that the association expects Iran to call for rice imports in January similar to last year. India exports 4 million tons of rice to various countries the most important of which are Iran, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, the US and the UK. In sum, 20% to 25% of Indian rice goes to Iran annually. According to Indian rice exporters, the price for rice in international markets has risen by 20% compared to the previous year. Iran will probably issue the permit for India to export rice to that country and added that the price for Basmati rice in international markets is 900 dollars for 1,150 tons, a price which is 15 to 20 percent more than last year.