As the ceasefire brings a glimmer of hope, Indian companies like Havells and various pharma exporters are preparing for a surge in demand from the Gulf region for reconstruction activities. However, a new challenge has emerged in the form of rising raw material costs; for instance, Bitumen prices have surged by 40% due to the war. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari noted that while trade might resume, the increased cost of materials could impact the timelines and budgets of major highway and infrastructure projects across India.