Amid the ongoing Iran-US war, India sought the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and pointed out that the country remains the only one to have lost mariners in attacks on merchant shipping in the Gulf. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, who represented India during a meeting convened by the UK on Thursday emphasised the importance of freedom of navigation and unimpeded transit through international waterways.
The meeting was aimed at exploring ways to reopen the Strait of Hormuz amid growing concerns over disruptions to energy supplies, and while over 60 countries took part in it, the US reportedly did not.
Misri reiterated India’s position on safeguarding maritime routes, again emphasising the importance of freedom of navigation and unimpeded transit through international waterways at the UK-convened discussions.
He highlighted the impact of the US-Iran war on India’s energy security, and “the fact that India remains the only country to have lost mariners in attacks on merchant shipping in the Gulf”.
Misri also said that the “way out of the crisis consisted of de-escalation and a return to the path of diplomacy and dialogue among all concerned parties”.
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Three Indian seafarers killed
Three seafarers were among the eight Indians killed in the West Asia conflict, with their deaths occurring in attacks on merchant vessels during the early days of the crisis.
British foreign minister Yvette Cooper said the talks, focused on political and diplomatic solutions rather than military action, reflected “the strength of our international determination” to reopen the strait, according to the Associated Press.
Earlier, external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the UK had invited several countries, including India, for discussions on the Strait of Hormuz.
India, Jaiswal reiterated, supports free and open commercial shipping and maritime security in line with international law. “We continue to call for ensuring safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz as a matter of priority,” he said.
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The UK-led meeting took place hours after US President Donald Trump, in his first televised address on the war with Iran, said securing the strategic waterway was a responsibility for other nations.
Trump said countries facing fuel shortages due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz should either purchase oil from the US or “build up some delayed courage” and “just take” supplies. He added that the strait “will open up naturally” once the conflict ends, without specifying a timeline.
