Australia could emerge as a potential alternative market for India’s perishable exports currently stranded at ports due to disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
Australia’s Trade and Investment Commissioner for South Asia, Todd Miller, said Australia “could certainly be an alternative” destination for such cargoes if trade conditions allow.
Speaking on the issue, Miller said Australia is willing to assist where possible. “We could certainly help out,” he noted, but added that several logistical challenges remain. The distance between India and Australia, ongoing global logistics constraints, and uncertainties over where the containers would ultimately land could complicate the process.
He also clarified that the situation extends beyond his direct remit. “I can’t talk on behalf of the oil and gas industry and where they’re at,” Miller said, indicating that the wider energy and shipping disruptions linked to the West Asia conflict could continue to affect global supply chains.
According to him, the food sector in particular could face difficulties in the near term, especially in terms of logistics, transportation and movement of products into affected regions.
The ongoing crisis in West Asia has disrupted key shipping routes and delayed cargo movement, leaving several consignments—particularly perishables—stuck at Indian ports while exporters search for alternative markets and shipping solutions.