India urged to boost shipping capacity, naval protection: GTRI

Ships carry things like clothes, rice, spices and machines from one country to another.

Many of India's trade ships travel through a water path called the Red Sea to reach Europe.

Since November 2023, some people called Houthis have been attacking commercial cargo ships there.

Because it is dangerous, many ships now take a much longer route around Africa.

This makes trips take about two extra weeks and costs a lot more money.

The problem has now lasted 1,000 days, which is almost three years.

A smart research group called GTRI says India should get ready for this to continue.

They suggest India needs more ships, better protection from its navy, and other trade routes.

Small Indian businesses are hurt the most because they cannot afford the higher costs.

GTRI believes the shipping problem could last into 2027.