West Asia crisis: Govt sets up monitoring panel to help Indian exporters

India has set up a special inter-ministerial group to closely watch the fast-changing situation in West Asia and how it will impact trade, Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said on Tuesday. The group will meet every day to monitor developments and assess how rising tensions in the region could affect India’s trade. Addressing a post-Budget webinar, Goyal said the government is keeping a close eye on possible risks to shipping, logistics, exports and even critical imports. The newly formed group includes representatives from different ministries to ensure better coordination and quicker decision-making if any issues arise, he noted. 'India  is firmly onboard the Reform Express with over 350 multi-faceted reforms since August, 2025 alone,' he said.

Bharat is firmly onboard the Reform Express with over 350 multi-faceted reforms since August, 2025 alone. pic.twitter.com/UDTsYCZ5Wn

— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) March 3, 2026

Exporters in the country are worried that the growing conflict in West Asia, especially after joint attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran, could disrupt trade routes and business activities. Many fear that shipping and logistics may face delays or higher costs if the situation worsens. Goyal assured businesses that the Commerce Ministry is open to feedback from exporters and industry stakeholders. He said the government’s main aim is to ensure that the impact of the West Asia crisis on India’s trade remains minimal. “Government under PM Narendra Modi’s leadership remains firmly committed to enabling a stable and responsive trade environment for our traders and exporters, safeguarding their interests and ensuring seamless operations,” Goyal noted.