India’s export sector is facing major disruptions as the ongoing conflict in West Asia has left around 45,000 Indian containers stranded across vessels, ports, and transit routes. The crisis has sharply increased logistics expenses, with exporters reporting that freight and related costs have surged up to five times due to war-risk surcharges and shipping disruptions.
Shipping lines are avoiding sensitive routes around the Strait of Hormuz, forcing vessels to delay voyages, reroute shipments, or return cargo to Indian ports. These disruptions have not only slowed deliveries but also created uncertainty for exporters shipping goods to key markets in Europe and the United States.
Industry stakeholders have warned that returning cargo could trigger congestion at Indian ports, affecting the smooth flow of exports. Exporters are expected to raise the issue with the government, seeking urgent measures to manage stranded containers, rising freight rates, and potential supply-chain bottlenecks caused by the escalating West Asia crisis.