The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) has urged the government to adopt a series of contingency measures—including potential export restrictions on key raw materials and expedited import approvals—to mitigate supply chain disruptions arising from the ongoing tensions in West Asia.
In a representation to the government, FICCI recommended temporary export curtailments, including the possibility of a calibrated ban on sulphur and non-essential uses of helium until global supply conditions stabilise. The industry body also called for temporary relaxation of Quality Control Orders (QCOs) to enable easier sourcing of critical raw materials, particularly for micro, small and medium enterprises.
The chamber further advised the government to fast-track approvals related to imports, including easing restrictions around quality certification and standards compliance, to facilitate procurement from alternative international suppliers.
An official indicated that the government remained in regular contact with industry stakeholders and had sought real-time feedback on supply-side concerns that could impact domestic production.
The recommendations come at a time when the Indian economy faces multiple external pressures, including elevated inflation, currency volatility, rising import costs, and a widening current account deficit, exacerbating the urgency of policy intervention.
In addition to trade-related measures, FICCI proposed logistical interventions to ensure continuity in the movement of essential goods. The chamber suggested deploying Indian-flagged vessels from key ports such as Mundra Port, Pipavav Port, and Nhava Sheva Port to provide reliable shipping alternatives in case international carriers suspend services or impose additional charges.
FICCI also recommended the immediate designation and operationalisation of alternative regional transit hubs to bypass congested or high-risk primary ports. These include Khorfakkan Port, Port of Sohar, and Jeddah Islamic Port.
The chamber further stated that the government should establish a ‘green channel’ at these ports to allow cargo to be transported onward by road or sea without additional customs clearance at the port of discharge, thereby reducing delays and improving supply chain efficiency.
