New Delhi - The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) has called for India to develop its own global shipping line to reduce exporters’ dependence on foreign carriers and strengthen the country’s maritime logistics capabilities.

FIEO Director General Ashish Jain said a globally competitive Indian shipping carrier could provide greater support to the country’s exporters and improve control over international freight connectivity.

Indian exporters currently rely heavily on international shipping lines for container transportation. Freight rates, vessel availability, capacity allocation and surcharges are therefore influenced by global carrier decisions and market conditions.