India is a nation of over 1.3 billion people and plays a critical role in the world's economy as a central location for many manufacturing plants and a major hub for air and ocean trade. On March 25, the government announced a national lockdown in response to the growing number of COVID-19, restricting the movement of said 1.3 billion inhabitants and halting all businesses considered to be 'non-essential'. Initially, the lockdown was to be lifted on April 14, but as case numbers continued to increase India's government announced an extension through May 3.
As we've seen with many other government lockdowns, logistics and transportation are considered to be an essential service. While ports, airports, and customs offices are operational, priority is given to the clearance of items that are considered to be essential commodities.
In the latest episode of Talking Trade, Pavithran M Kallada - Managing Director, BDP India provides an in-depth overview of the situation 'on the ground' in India, including an update on air and sea trade and transportation, the state of empty container yards, and what a post lockdown scenario might look like for the country.
For the full episode, tune in below.
