West Asia in turmoil, govt looks to clear trade routes to South Asia

New Delhi: The West Asia crisis has prompted the government to look at ways to step up exports to South Asia. The commerce and industry ministry is reviewing issues related to tariff, non-tariff, logistics, regulatory and quality certification hampering business with Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Afghanistan so as to iron out any challenges, said an official.

India's goods exports to these six countries increased 4.5% year-on-year to $25.5 billion in FY25. "We are reviewing the export performance in this region and have asked industry for the challenges they face," said an official, who did not wish to be identified. The exercise comes at a time when India's exports to West Asia are expected to decline in the wake of the US-Israel war on Iran. Goods exports to the region fell 0.81% year-on-year to $36.61 billion in February and challenges are likely to continue in March.

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