FORCE MAJEURE OR POLICY FAILURE? INDIA'S COMMERCIAL VULNERABILITIES AMID THE IRAN CONFLICT

This article looks into the recurring economic disruptions in the Persian Gulf that are happening in India and whether they should be seen as force majeure events or the results of ongoing policy failures. With the current Iran conflict as a lens and drawing parallels with earlier regional conflicts, the article discusses India's ongoing reliance on energy supplies originating from the Gulf and the strategic vulnerabilities it faces in the Strait of Hormuz. Armed conflict is an external and unpredictable factor, but continued exposure of the Indian economy to the same geopolitical risks shows a lack of long-term planning and risk mitigation. The author concludes that diversifying, preparing, and developing energy resilience are important steps for overcoming structural dependence, making India more resilient and less vulnerable to future geopolitical events, and enhancing its trade security.