India Vows Comprehensive Support for Exporters Amid West Asia Turmoil
In a firm commitment to bolster the nation's export sector, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced on Friday that the government will deploy "every policy tool and the export promotion mission" to assist exporters grappling with the ongoing crisis in West Asia. Speaking at an event organized by the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), Goyal emphasized the administration's proactive engagement with exporters to navigate the challenges posed by regional conflicts.
Daily Engagement and Feedback Mechanisms
Goyal revealed that the government has established a dedicated help desk and an inter-ministerial group, which conducts daily discussions with exporters to monitor the situation and gather critical feedback. "We are in complete engagement with exporters. Every day, the inter-ministerial group talks to exporters and takes feedback. We will not be found wanting in supporting our exporters in any way," he assured reporters on the sidelines of the event.
Addressing Export Disruptions and Logistics Challenges
The minister highlighted several disruptions faced by exporters, including:
- Increased freight rates
- Higher demurrage charges
- Extended shipping routes
- Shortages of containers
These issues have emerged following conflicts involving the US, Israel, and Iran, prompting exporters to seek government intervention to manage rising logistics costs. In response, Goyal stated that the commerce ministry is actively in dialogue with the ministry of shipping and shipping companies to resolve concerns, particularly regarding cargo ships stranded in the Persian Gulf. "We are in dialogue with the ministry of shipping and with shipping companies. I hope we will find a resolution to this issue," he added.
Upholding International Commitments and Trust
Despite the disruptions, Goyal reaffirmed India's dedication to meeting its international obligations. "We will continue to ensure that all our international commitments are met. Even during the Covid pandemic, India met all its international commitments, which earned us the acronym of a trusted partner, and we will continue to be the trusted partner of the world," he declared, underscoring the country's reputation for reliability in global trade.
Trade Figures with West Asia
In 2025, India's trade dynamics with the West Asian region were significant, with imports totaling approximately $157 billion and exports to West Asian economies reaching around $67 billion. This economic interdependence underscores the critical need for robust support mechanisms during times of crisis.
