The Indian government has urged global shipping lines to refrain from imposing “predatory” freight charges as disruptions linked to the Middle East crisis continue to affect maritime trade and supply chains.
Officials from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and other trade authorities have reportedly raised concerns about a sharp increase in freight rates, emergency surcharges and war-risk premiums being levied on cargo moving through the Gulf region.
The government has asked shipping companies to exercise restraint and ensure that pricing remains reasonable, particularly for Indian exporters and importers already dealing with delays, rerouted services and higher logistics costs due to the regional instability.
Industry sources say freight rates have risen significantly on routes connecting India with key Gulf markets as vessel diversions, heightened security risks and rising insurance costs push up operating expenses for carriers. The additional charges have added pressure on exporters across sectors such as engineering goods, chemicals, agricultural products and consumer goods.
Authorities are said to be closely monitoring the situation and engaging with shipping lines and trade bodies to ensure that supply chains remain stable during the crisis. The government has emphasised the need to maintain fair trade practices while ensuring the continued movement of cargo through affected routes.
Analysts note that the situation highlights the vulnerability of global shipping to geopolitical disruptions, particularly in critical maritime corridors such as the Strait of Hormuz, through which a large share of regional trade flows.