Maruti Suzuki India Ltd is closely tracking developments in the Middle East amid escalating geopolitical tensions, but said its exposure to the region remains limited.
Escalating military strikes by the US and Israel on Iran have heightened concerns over potential disruptions to global trade with the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route for oil and other goods, being closed. Reports indicated that clearance for several containers bound for the Middle East, mostly carrying food items from India, was halted on Saturday noon.
“We are closely monitoring the situation. However, our exposure to the Middle East as an export region is not very high. This year, for example, it accounts for about 12.5% of our total exports,” Rahul Bharti, Senior Executive Officer at Maruti Suzuki, said.
The company exports vehicles to nearly 100 countries and said its international portfolio is structured to mitigate regional risks.
“In fact, as we export to nearly 100 countries, we have ensured that our portfolio is well diversified and inherently de-risked. It is in times like these that the depth of leadership truly comes through. We are not just increasing exports; we are expanding them in a broad-based manner, ensuring that we remain de-risked at the same time,” Bharti said.
The current situation is unlikely to have a very significant impact on vehicle exports from India to the Middle East.