Last Updated:
Officials say discussion brought together key ministries, logistics players & trade facilitation partners to review evolving geopolitical situation and its implications for India.
The consultations, organised by the Department of Commerce, came after the United States and Israel carried out military strikes on Iran over the weekend.
The government on Monday convened an inter-ministerial meeting with exporters and logistics stakeholders to evaluate how rising tensions in West Asia could affect India’s trade flows, while assuring industry that steps would be taken to limit disruptions.
The consultations, organised by the Department of Commerce, came after the United States and Israel carried out military strikes on Iran over the weekend, prompting retaliatory drone and missile attacks by Iran targeting Israel, US military sites in the Gulf, and the global commercial hub of Dubai.
Officials said the discussion brought together key ministries, logistics operators, and trade facilitation partners to review the evolving geopolitical situation and its possible implications for India’s export-import cargo movement and the broader export ecosystem. Participants assessed operational challenges such as route diversions, longer transit times, vessel rescheduling, container and equipment availability, freight and insurance cost movements, and the impact on time-sensitive shipments.
Stakeholders stressed the importance of keeping cargo movement predictable, avoiding unnecessary delays, and ensuring smooth documentation and payment processes for traders.
“The Department reiterated the Government of India’s priority of ensuring continuity of EXIM logistics and mitigating any disruptions to India’s trade flows,” the ministry said.
Officials also underlined that the policy approach would remain facilitative and coordinated, with a focus on strengthening supply chain resilience and safeguarding exporters’ interests, especially those of MSMEs, while ensuring that essential imports for domestic production and consumption are not affected.
“During the meeting, it was agreed amongst the stakeholders to maintain close, real-time coordination for monitoring route and capacity developments, surcharges, and equipment availability,” it added.
The discussions also covered support mechanisms for sectors dependent on rapid deliveries, including perishables, pharmaceuticals, and high-value manufactured goods. Authorities highlighted the need to strengthen facilitation at ports and inland container depots to ensure swift cargo evacuation and prevent congestion or extended dwell times.
The government reiterated its readiness to support trade operations through measures such as flexibility in export-related authorisations in cases of genuine disruption, coordination with Customs authorities for faster clearance, and engagement with financial and insurance institutions to protect exporters’ interests.
“The Department reaffirmed that it will continue to engage closely with all stakeholders and relevant Ministries/ Departments to ensure that India’s trade continues to move efficiently and that any emerging issues are addressed in a timely manner,” the ministry said.
The meeting was chaired by Special Secretary Suchindra Misra and Director General of Foreign Trade Lav Agarwal, and attended by representatives from logistics operators, shipping lines, customs authorities, financial regulators, petroleum and shipping ministries, the Reserve Bank of India, export promotion bodies, and other agencies.
Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google.
Follow News18 on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18. Stay updated with all the latest business news, including market trends, stock updates, tax, IPO, banking finance, real estate, savings and investments. To Get in-depth analysis, expert opinions, and real-time updates. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated.
March 02, 2026, 17:37 IST
Read More
