The Commerce Ministry has called a high-level consultation on Monday with exporters, shipping companies, freight forwarders and officials from key ministries to assess and manage potential trade risks arising from the escalating tensions in the Middle East. The meeting will be held in a hybrid format, enabling both in-person and virtual participation as the government gauges threats to India’s trade logistics and export-import operations.
The move comes in the wake of recent military escalation between the United States, Israel and Iran, which has raised concerns about disruptions to critical maritime corridors such as the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb Strait — key choke points for global shipping. Exporters have warned that instability along these routes could lead to delays, higher freight charges and rising insurance costs, potentially affecting the movement of goods to major markets in Europe, North America and West Asia.
Industry representatives have noted that if trade routes through the Red Sea and Gulf regions become constrained, shipping lines might be forced to reroute via longer passages such as around the Cape of Good Hope, adding up to 15–20 days of transit time and inflating logistics costs for Indian exporters.
Officials said Monday’s consultation will help identify near-term risks, explore mitigation strategies and coordinate responses among stakeholders to ensure continuity of trade flows amid heightened geopolitical uncertainty.