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India–Pakistan Tensions: What They Mean for Your Business Continuity Plan

 


India–Pakistan Tensions: What They Mean for Your Business Continuity Plan

A fresh wave of tension between India and Pakistan is sending shockwaves through global supply chains. This week, India launched airstrikes on what it called “terrorist infrastructure” in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Pakistan hit back with threats, warning of retaliation and hinting at tearing up key peace treaties. At the same time, India has pulled out of the Indus Waters Treaty—threatening Pakistan’s agricultural lifeline.

The UK government isn’t taking chances. It’s updated its travel advice, reviewed outdated contingency plans, and warned of “huge” geopolitical risks.

So, what does this mean for business?

Disrupted Supply Chains, Delayed Deliveries

The fallout is already hitting trade. Pakistan has closed its airspace to Indian flights and cut off bilateral trade. Sea and land routes are backed up or shut, forcing cargo onto longer, pricier detours. Even if your business doesn’t trade directly with India or Pakistan, you might feel the pinch: many Western firms rely on goods, materials, or services that pass through the region.

India’s IT sector—worth nearly a fifth of global outsourcing—is particularly vulnerable. If power cuts, cyberattacks or worse hit cities like Bengaluru or Hyderabad, your back-office functions or software development could grind to a halt. Some Indian states are already staging civil defence drills.

And then there’s manufacturing. India has positioned itself as a “China alternative” in recent years—Apple, for instance, planned to shift iPhone production there. Now, uncertainty looms. From electronics and textiles to pharmaceuticals and agriculture, businesses must brace for supply shocks, rising costs, and shipment delays.

Industries on the Front Line

Tech & IT Services

India dominates global IT outsourcing. Any disruption—whether from attacks, blackouts or severed internet cables—could stall operations for firms relying on offshore support. Contingency access and data backup outside the region are now essential.

Pharmaceutical & Healthcare

India supplies a large chunk of the world’s generic medicines, and Pakistan relies heavily on Indian imports for its own drug production. A disruption here could trigger global shortages and price surges—especially in countries dependent on Indian APIs and generics.

 

Textiles & Retail

With trade at a standstill, garment exports from Punjab to London are under threat. Cotton, dyes, and fabric shipments are grinding to a halt. Retailers relying on South Asian mills need to diversify sourcing now.

Agriculture & Food Supply

India and Pakistan are major exporters of rice, sugar, wheat, and livestock. If irrigation in Pakistan collapses (as threatened), it could cause global shortages. UK food importers and aid agencies must monitor this closely.

Energy & Commodities

Cross-border energy projects are stalled. Pipelines, ports and hydro schemes sit in the danger zone. As India and Pakistan ramp up defence spending, energy security and infrastructure investment are taking a back seat.

Planning Ahead: Business Continuity Must Evolve

With the crisis escalating, BCPs need to be more than just a checklist. Firms should treat geopolitical risk like any other operational hazard—plan for it, test for it, and train for it.

What should that look like?

  • Map your exposure – Know exactly what’s tied to India or Pakistan: from software support and call centres to raw materials and freight routes.
  • War-game the scenarios – From power outages to airspace closures and cyberattacks, simulate how your business would cope.
  • Diversify supply and routes – Avoid relying on a single region. Build in alternative suppliers and logistics options.
  • Rethink inventory – “Just-in-time” won’t cut it in a conflict zone. Build buffers for critical materials.
  • Update crisis comms – Make sure your teams know who speaks, what to say, and how to stay in touch—even if networks go down.
  • Review insurance and risk cover – Political risk and war coverage aren’t just for oil giants. They matter now more than ever.

How Management Solutions & Training Ltd Can Help

At Management Solutions & Training Ltd, we specialise in helping businesses prepare for the unexpected. Our UK-based consultancy supports organisations in strengthening their Business Continuity Plans with tailored training, real-world simulations, and strategic reviews.

We help businesses stress-test their BCPs under scenarios like the current India–Pakistan crisis. We’ll help you:

  • Identify weak spots in your global supply chain
  • Run practical crisis simulations across departments
  • Update your plans to meet international standards like ISO 22301
  • Train your staff in fast, effective emergency response

Whether you're a UK company with a back-office in Mumbai or a retailer relying on Punjab cotton, we’ve got the experience to help you navigate disruption—with confidence.

Act now—before your plan is tested for real.

Get in touch with Management Solutions & Training Ltd and let’s strengthen your resilience.

 

A person in a suit AI-generated content may be incorrect.

Andre Regan

Management Solutions & Training

 For more information and advice contact Management Solutions and Training Ltd @

general.enquiries.mst@gmail.com 

 

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