ENA Sectors 2025-07-11 16:07:40 <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>New Delhi, July 11 (KNN)</strong> India must bolster its shipping and logistics infrastructure to reduce vulnerability during global disruptions and enhance trade competitiveness, Special Secretary, Department of Commerce, Rajesh Agrawal, said on Thursday.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Speaking at the Confederation of Indian Industry's (CII) Export Logistics Conclave, Agrawal highlighted that the limited number of Indian-flagged vessels contributes to a significant services trade deficit&mdash;approximately USD 50 billion&mdash;linked solely to maritime logistics. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">He described the situation as unsustainable and warned that inadequate control over logistics systems leaves India exposed during international crises.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Countries with stronger control over logistics systems fare better during global disruptions, he noted, citing spikes in shipping costs during the COVID-19 pandemic and recent Red Sea tensions that adversely impacted Indian exports.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Agrawal emphasised the need for India to establish a minimum level of control over the global logistics ecosystem to support its long-term trade ambitions, including the vision of becoming a developed economy by 2047 under the Viksit Bharat initiative. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">He pointed out that India currently has limited influence over both maritime and air cargo capacity, which often results in delays and higher costs for exporters.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">He cited a specific case where containers bound for African markets must transit through foreign hubs like Singapore or Dubai, adding both time and expense to the shipment process.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The remarks come amid renewed focus on building robust supply chains and logistics capabilities as India seeks to emerge as a global manufacturing and trading hub.</span></p> <p><em><strong><span style="font-size:14px">(KNN Bureau)</span></strong></em></p> 42773 https://knnindia.co.in/news/newsdetails/sectors/india-must-strengthen-shipping-logistics-to-cut-trade-disruptions-commerce-dept-secy 2025-07-11 16:07:40 knnindia.co.in