As the global walnut industry approaches a new harvest season in the Southern Hemisphere, importers worldwide are preparing for one of the most important trading periods of the year. Chile, one of the world’s leading walnut suppliers, exports to more than 70 markets annually.
Among these destinations, India has become the largest import market for walnuts, driven by rising consumption and a rapidly expanding middle class. Its importance has made the country a central destination for walnut exporters across multiple producing regions.
However, concerns have recently emerged within the industry regarding fraudulent practices involving certain buyers operating in the Indian market, which have reportedly caused significant financial losses to exporters.
One case drawing particular attention involves Shailendra Kothari, who has reportedly conducted business using different companies as consignees to import the goods. One of them is Rajshree Enterprises led by Kalpit Vijay Wakchaure who seems to be also involved in the scheme. Another one is LMP Overseas.
According to industry sources, transactions linked to Kothari have allegedly resulted in losses exceeding USD 1 million, affecting dried fruit and nuts exporters from several countries.
Exporters familiar with the situation describe a similar pattern across multiple transactions: purchase contracts are signed and shipments proceed normally. Containers carrying walnuts are transported to India and arrive at major ports such as Mundra and Nhava Sheva. Once the shipments arrive, Shailendra Kothari refuses to acknowledge his payment obligations, leaving exporters unable to recover either payment or cargo.
One example cited within the industry involves the Turkish exporter Kirloglu, where a shipment reportedly followed this same pattern after arriving in India.
As a result of these disputes, several walnut exporters are reported to still have containers from the previous season stranded at Indian ports, generating huge financial losses and operational complications.
Unfortunately all those situations affect the image of India as a trustful partner for international trade and several major exporters consider to ban India this year and shift to different markets.
As the new walnut export season approaches, a key question remains for the global industry: can India truly be considered a safe market for international walnut exporters if fraudulent actors are not stopped by Indian authorities?