The tension between Iran and Israel has reached new heights, sending ripples through the global supply chain and causing concerns for Indian exporters. The recent capture of the MSC Aries by Iranian forces has exacerbated an already precarious situation, raising fears of further disruptions and soaring freight costs.
The incident unfolded against a backdrop of heightened geopolitical tensions. Iran, embroiled in multiple conflicts with Israel and its allies, had previously issued warnings about closing the Strait of Hormuz—an act that could have significant repercussions for global trade.
The latest escalation can be traced back to an attack in Damascus, which heightened the existing geopolitical tensions between Iran and Israel. Iranian forces seized the MSC Aries, a 14,000-teu vessel operating on MSC’s India-Europe service, adding fuel to the fire and intensifying concerns about supply chain disruptions.
Indian exporters, who had recently experienced some relief from the Red Sea shipping crisis, are now grappling with the prospect of increased freight costs and cargo flow disruptions. The capture of the MSC Aries has raised cargo insurance premiums due to heightened risks, while carriers may impose surcharges to mitigate operating challenges.
The air cargo sector is also facing hurdles with flight schedule disruptions and rising airline rates. Shipment backlogs and airspace restrictions over Iran have prompted Indian air cargo shippers to seek alternative logistics routes. Longer lead times, increased costs, and unpredictable schedules are among the challenges faced by the industry.
The closure and limited reopening of airspaces in neighboring regions like Jordan, Iraq, and Lebanon have further disrupted air freight, leading to heightened insurance costs and extended flight times. Security measures at airports and cargo complexes are impacting logistics services, exacerbating supply chain pressures already created by the Red Sea crisis.
While some carriers on India-Middle East routes have announced rate increases to capitalize on improving demand, concerns persist among exporters. Ashwani Kumar, President of the Federation of Indian Export Organisations, emphasized the need to address the Middle East geopolitical situation and Red Sea crisis challenges to ensure stable trade conditions.
Despite the challenges, India’s export industry showed resilience in fiscal year 2023-24, with trade volumes remaining relatively stable compared to the previous year. The government’s push for local manufacturing aims to further boost exports, with the potential entry of global players like Tesla signaling positive growth prospects.
As tensions between Iran and Israel continue to escalate, Indian exporters are navigating a complex landscape fraught with uncertainties. The need for stability in the supply chain and concerted efforts to address geopolitical challenges is paramount to safeguarding trade interests and ensuring sustainable growth in the export sector.
