The Ministry of Shipping has restored the 2018 cabotage relaxations, allowing foreign-flagged vessels to carry specific coastal cargo between Indian ports. The decision rescinds previous orders from early 2026 in an effort to provide operational stability and maintain shipping capacity during ongoing global supply chain disruptions. While Indian-flagged carriers face continued competition from foreign operators, trade experts note the move ensures necessary vessel availability for exporters and importers. Meanwhile, international ocean freight rates have escalated dramatically due to geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East and vessel reroutings around Africa. Freight costs for US-bound 40-foot containers have risen from $1,500 to nearly $10,000, while rates to Europe, the Gulf, and East Africa have seen multi-fold increases, elevating landed product costs by 10% to 15%. Global shipping lines are prioritizing high-yield Chinese routes, leaving Indian shippers facing space shortages, delayed vessel rotations, and premium pricing for bundled logistics services.