# The conflict is ‘widening human development pressures across Asia and the Pacific’ The economic impact of the escalation may cost the Asia-Pacific region up to $299 billion.

*business · news · 2026-04-14 · Times of India*

## Key points

- The UNDP estimates nearly 8.8 million people risk falling into poverty due to the conflict.
- Asia-Pacific could face up to $299 billion in economic losses from the Middle East escalation.
- Iran's Human Development Index may decline by up to 1.5 years of progress due to the crisis.
- Remittance flows to countries like India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh are threatened by reduced Gulf economic activity.
- Trade disruptions have significantly impacted 25 out of 36 Asia-Pacific countries analyzed in the report.

**Countries:** United States, Iran, Israel, India, Nepal, Vietnam, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Philippines

[Read the full story on Times of India](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/international-business/middle-east-crisis-millions-around-the-world-could-be-pushed-into-poverty-flags-undp/articleshow/130256906.cms)

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