India's trade with Africa may take a hit if Iran-Israel conflict widens

A further escalation of the conflict between Iran and Israel will not only put India's exports to West Asia at risk, but also impact trade with Africa. Government officials said that exports to Africa will take a hit since a substantial amount of outbound shipments are routed from the UAE - a key transshipment hub to that region. India exports 10 per cent of its goods to Africa, valued at $13.9 billion during the first seven months of this financial year.

- SHREYA NANDI

The commerce department is closely tracking the conflict between Iran and Israel and any development related to the same is under its radar. The government's discussions have started with exporters to gauge their sentiment and look at the potential impact on trade, with respect to the disruption in transportation, India's dependence on petroleum imports as well as key commodities.

Last month, Lebanon-based Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed in an Israeli airstrike. In response to the attack on its key ally, Iran fired ballistic missiles on Israel earlier this month.