On Friday, Piyush Goyal, India's Commerce and Industry Minister, conducted virtual meetings with Osama Khaled Boodai, Kuwait's Minister of Commerce, and Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE's Minister of Foreign Trade, to address severe disruptions in trade and energy supplies stemming from the recent US and Israeli military actions against Iran. Goyal expressed India's readiness to assist Kuwait in resolving supply chain issues, particularly concerning food security. Both ministers underscored the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in restoring trade flows. Goyal also acknowledged the UAE's proactive logistics measures, including opening alternate routes for trade. The discussions come as the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members, including Kuwait and the UAE, are vital trading partners for India, with bilateral trade amounting to USD 178 billion in 2024-25. The ongoing conflict has strained supply chains, particularly affecting sectors like petroleum, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals, necessitating coordinated efforts to ensure smooth trade operations.