The freight landscape between India, Russia, and neighboring regions has shifted notably due to ongoing security concerns and corresponding disruptions in major chokepoints. Industry observers note that the expense of moving a container from India to Russia has risen by approximately $1,000 per unit, a jump around 26 percent, driven in large part by the current tension surrounding the Houthis and related maritime risk premiums. This figure comes from discussions within the Asian Import Group and was reported by RIA News.
Several shipping lines, including those affiliated with Asia Import Group, have redirected a substantial portion of their sails to safer corridors. Ships are now routing around Africa to avoid congestion and attacks in the Red Sea corridor. The consequence has been longer transit times and a noticeable uptick in freight rates across the board, as carriers adjust to the new risk calculus and limited vessel availability. Market players indicate that these adjustments are saving days at sea but costing shippers more on every voyage.
There have been temporary resurgences in activity on alternative routes, with some shipowners resuming transport from India to Russia via the Suez Canal. Yet the cost picture remains unsettled, as prices for this canal passage have climbed by roughly $300 to $1,000 per container relative to pre-crisis levels, according to industry voices within the Asian Import Group. This volatility underscores the bargaining dynamics at work as freight forwarders and carriers balance corridor risk with service commitments.
Another plausible option for moving goods from India toward Russia involves a longer path through China to the port of Vladivostok. While this route can diversify risk, executives caution that the voyage typically stretches into roughly 45–50 days. Freight charges for this longer itinerary are higher by about $2,000 per container, reflecting the compounded costs of extended sailing times, additional port calls, and the need for higher-margin pricing to cover the elevated risk.
In parallel, there is a broader trend of rising transport costs across Asia and Europe. Analysts estimate that the overall cost to move goods between these continents has surged, with some industry watchers noting increases around 400 percent in certain lanes and services. European economic authorities have acknowledged these shifts; Paolo Gentiloni, the European Commissioner for Economy, recently commented on the broad impact of disrupted routes and the resulting inflationary pressures on logistics and trade, highlighting how shipping costs ripple through supply chains and consumer pricing.
In earlier assessments, port authorities and shipping firms reported a decline in traffic levels through the Suez Canal, aligning with the more cautious posture of carriers and buyers during heightened risk periods. The combination of route diversification, lengthened lead times, and higher freight rates continues to influence decision-making across export-import corridors, prompting shippers to reassess inventory strategies, insurance coverage, and carrier selection to maintain reliability while managing costs. (Attribution: Asian Import Group; RIA News)