India taps Oman to rescue $11.8 billion food exports to West Asia

NEW DELHI : Amid the prolonged conflict rattling West Asia, India is looking to Oman for continuation of its vital trade in essential foods — such as rice, meat, poultry, dairy, fruits and vegetables — with the broader region by routing shipments through Omani ports and land routes, avoiding high-risk maritime zones.

“With the Strait of Hormuz in a state of inactivity effectively blocking India’s traditional trade arteries with West Asia, New Delhi is actively exploring logistical alternatives to continue its agricultural sector exports to West Asia, estimated at about $11.8 billion annually. Oman is emerging as an effective option in India’s rerouting strategy,” a source tracking the matter told businessline.

Last week, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) held discussions with a visiting Omani high level trade delegation, to hammer out the operational mechanics of securing the alternative pathway.

Source : BL