New Delhi, 10 March (H.S.):

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal assured on Tuesday that the government will deploy every resource, including novel insurance-backed schemes, to bolster exporters grappling with the West Asia crisis.

Speaking at the 40th edition inauguration of AAHAR 2026—the International Food & Hospitality Fair—at Bharat Mandapam, Goyal highlighted India's agri and processed food exports hitting ₹5 lakh crore annually (~$55 billion), positioning the nation as the world's seventh-largest agri exporter.

Crisis Response Measures

Consultations with ECGC and other agencies are underway for insurance support targeting exporters facing shipment hurdles. An inter-ministerial group monitors developments 24/7, maintaining constant exporter dialogue amid Iran-US-Israel tensions threatening oil/gas supplies—critical as West Asia ranks among India's top markets.

Trade Expansion Drive

Nine FTAs already unlocked vast opportunities; finalization with Canada advances, alongside talks with the GCC bloc of six West Asian nations. Goyal urged agri stakeholders to seize these, aiming to elevate India among global top exporters while aiding those with stuck consignments.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar