India
-Gaurav Sharma
The Centre has told a Parliamentary committee that India is ready for any supply shock from the West Asia crisis and that cargo movement could return to normal within “four to five days” once tensions ease, provided key sea lanes remain open and safe.
This assessment was shared during a meeting of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture, which questioned senior officials from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. Representatives from the Ministry of External Affairs, the Ministry of Commerce and the Petroleum Ministry also joined the detailed briefing.
India is prepared for West Asia supply chain disruptions, holding over 78 days of energy reserves and diversifying fertiliser imports. Officials estimate cargo movement could normalize within four to five days if key sea lanes remain open and tensions ease.
West Asia crisis and India’s supply chain readiness
According to sources present, officials stressed there is “no immediate crisis” for India’s energy or fertiliser supplies despite instability in West Asia. The panel was informed that several ministries had already mapped possible risks and put response plans in place to keep critical imports flowing.
Government representatives highlighted that India is currently holding strategic energy reserves that can cover more than 78 days of requirements. These reserves, officials noted, are meant to cushion the economy if shipping routes linked to the Strait of Hormuz face delays or partial disruption.
| Indicator | Detail |
|---|---|
| Energy reserves coverage | More than 78 days |
| Fertiliser supplies via Strait of Hormuz | Over 30 per cent of total imports |
West Asia crisis impact on fertiliser and crude imports
Members of the committee raised concerns about fertiliser security, as over 30 per cent of India’s fertiliser-related imports depend on the Strait of Hormuz route. Officials replied that alternate contracts had been lined up to reduce exposure to any single corridor or supplier.
During the interaction, sources said officials underlined that crude and fertiliser purchases had already been diversified. They explained that India is sourcing from several regions and markets to minimise risk, and has contingency procurement channels that can be activated if existing routes face strain.
Reassuring lawmakers, one official message was clear: “There is no crisis relating to energy sources or fertiliser. The government is in touch with all available markets, including the US and others,” sources quoted the briefing team as saying while outlining the current supply position.
West Asia crisis, ports strategy and logistics planning
The most pointed assurance came from officials overseeing logistics and shipping operations. According to sources, they said that if the war-like situation in West Asia cools, usual cargo and commodity flows through maritime channels could be restored within “four to five days”, assuming that core routes remain navigable.
Officials also described how Indian ports and shipping infrastructure are being prepared for possible rerouting of cargo. Plans include handling diverted vessels, managing emergency berths and coordinating with shipping lines if insurance costs, safety concerns or naval advisories force changes to standard sailing paths.
Sources indicated that the government’s current response relies on three linked strategies. These involve maintaining adequate strategic reserves, widening the basket of import partners, and ensuring close coordination among ministries dealing with shipping, trade, energy security and diplomacy, especially as the West Asia situation evolves.
The committee’s review comes at a time when global markets are watching West Asia closely for any impact on crude oil prices, shipping insurance and trade flows. India, which imports a large share of its oil and fertilisers, is tracking developments while relying on reserves, diversified sourcing and port planning to limit domestic disruption.
