Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal stated that the Indian government is preparing to implement additional measures to assist exporters facing challenges due to geopolitical tensions in West Asia. The Department of Commerce is contemplating a freight subsidy to help exporters manage increased shipping costs resulting from longer routes. This follows the launch of the Resilience & Logistics Intervention for Export Facilitation (RELIEF) scheme, which is valued at ₹497 crore (approximately $60 million USD), aimed at mitigating issues such as heightened insurance costs and war-related export risks. Goyal emphasized the negative impact of the conflict on global trade, while also highlighting India's resilience in maintaining food and energy security. He noted that supplies of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) have been restored to satisfactory levels. Furthermore, Goyal discussed India's robust trade relations with the United States, seeking preferential market access and advancing negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement. The government anticipates signing trade agreements with New Zealand by April, Oman by May 1, and the UK within 30-40 days, with discussions with Canada and the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) expected to commence soon.