The ongoing conflict in West Asia has severely impacted Indian outbound shipments, with merchandise exports falling 7.44% in March to $38.92 billion. Shipments to key markets like the UAE and Saudi Arabia contracted by over 45%, as shipping companies remain reluctant to navigate the volatile Persian Gulf. This crisis has exposed critical gaps in India’s maritime strategy, where a heavy reliance on foreign vessels and “Cost, Insurance, and Freight” (CIF) contracts has left strategic imports like fertilizers and energy vulnerable. In response, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has called an urgent meeting with Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) to discuss freight relief and insurance support. Industry leaders are now advocating for a rapid expansion of the national fleet and a shift toward “Free on Board” (FOB) contracts to gain better control over national logistics.