Data Dive: Why the War in West Asia is Bad News for India’s Economy

The conflict in West Asia between Israel and Iran shows no signs of abating. The turmoil has cast its long shadow over India, which has strategic and economic interests in the region

West Asia Conflict Casts Long Shadow
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Trade through the Suez Canal saves an average of 15 days compared to the alternate Cape of Good Hope
Trade through the Suez Canal saves an average of 15 days compared to the alternate Cape of Good Hope
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India relies heavily on the Suez Canal for trade with Europe, North Africa and the Americas. As much as 95% of India’s foreign trade by volume moves via sea routes, which stands at risk if the situation continues to deteriorate 

Prices of crude oil started to rise in October, placing energy security at risk
Prices of crude oil started to rise in October, placing energy security at risk
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Any impact on shipping routes would place energy security at risk. After months of a steady decline, crude oil prices started to rise in October after Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to make Iran ‘pay’ for firing missiles at Israel 

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India imports over 80% of its oil needs from abroad
India imports over 80% of its oil needs from abroad
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Oil purchase from Russia has increased, but not nearly enough to be significant. India continues to be heavily reliant on West Asia for oil and gas needs. 

An increase in oil prices spells bad news for inflation in India
An increase in oil prices spells bad news for inflation in India
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Following in the footsteps of crude oil price, consumer inflation reversed its declining trend and started to rise. The Reserve Bank of India’s Monetary Policy Committee cited this concern as the reason behind keeping the repo rate unchanged despite low consumer inflation 

In periods of uncertainty, investors flock to safer havens like gold
In periods of uncertainty, investors flock to safer havens like gold
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The stock market, which is forward-looking in nature, has also been declining since the start of October. Data reveals that foreign investors pulled out more than ₹60,000 crore in the first two weeks of October as gold prices surged to an all-time high 

Prolonged conflict may also affect the remittances the Indian diaspora sends home
Prolonged conflict may also affect the remittances the Indian diaspora sends home
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The conflict is set to impact profit margins for exporters and Indian companies. Bilateral trade with both Israel and Iran has taken a beating in recent months, with key commodities such as diamonds, Basmati rice and automotive diesel seeing major slumps