Travel industry in turbulence amid worsening West Asia situation (Business Standard)
With the Iran-Israel conflict escalating, air travel is becoming increasingly disrupted as closures of airspace over Iran, Israel, Jordan, Syria, Iraq and Pakistan are forcing flights to take longer routes, adding up to 2–4 hours, and driving up fares by as much as 12–20%. Industry insiders, including Ajay Prakash of the Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism and Hospitality and Sabina Chopra of Yatra Online, say the combination of operational delays, congestion and higher fuel costs is putting upward pressure on ticket prices, dampening travel demand on many routes. IndiGo and Air India have already rerouted or turned back multiple flights, extending journeys and adding expense for both passengers and carriers, reflecting a growing challenge for the industry amid ongoing tensions in West Asia.
Govt to hold talks with exporters as Iran-Israel conflict stalls shipments, drives up costs (mint)
The conflict between Israel and Iran is sending shockwaves through India’s export industry, with shipment costs already up by 50% and growing worries over disrupted delivery routes and delayed payments to key markets like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait and Israel. Exporters of basmati rice — especially to Iran, which alone accounts for 12% of India’s basmati exports worth $5.94 billion, with sales to Iran growing from $689.80 million to $757.30 million in FY25 — are battling mounting uncertainty as many consignments remain stranded and the crucial mid-June to mid-July delivery window hangs in the balance, fueling concerns that ongoing tensions may cause them to miss it. The government is closely assessing the situation alongside industry bodies and companies, looking for ways to ease bottlenecks and keep vital trade flowing while navigating a growing crisis in a region that handles a significant portion of India’s export basket.
India Prime Minister Modi visits Cyprus to advance trade corridor plans (Reuters)
Prime Minister Modi touched down in Cyprus on Sunday as he looks to bring India’s growing economic reach closer to Europe, with President Nikos Christodoulides emphasizing the island’s potential role as a key link for the ambitious India–Middle East–Europe Corridor. Modi, on his way to the G7 summit in Canada, is set to hold high-level talks with Cypriot leaders and business heads amid escalating tensions in the Middle East — a delicate backdrop for securing strong commercial ties. This visit underscores India’s diplomatic push to foster strong European relationships through its Commonwealth connections, while Cyprus prepares to take up the EU’s rotating presidency in 2026, making it a significant player in strengthening cross-continental cooperation.
