India this week participated in a high-level meeting convened by the United Kingdom to address the escalating crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, underlining its growing concern over disruptions to global energy supplies and maritime trade.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri represented New Delhi at the discussions, which saw participation from more than 60 countries, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.
During the meeting, Misri emphasised the importance of freedom of navigation and unimpeded transit through international waterways. He highlighted the direct impact of the crisis on India’s energy security and noted that India remains the only country to have lost mariners in attacks on merchant vessels in the Gulf region.
India called for immediate de-escalation and urged all parties to return to diplomacy and dialogue, as governments globally weigh responses to the disruption without further escalating tensions.
The UK convened the meeting after the temporary closure of the Strait of Hormuz threatened the flow of oil and gas through one of the world’s most critical shipping chokepoints. Officials are expected to hold follow-up military planning talks next week, including discussions on mine-clearing operations and the potential deployment of a naval reassurance force.
The ministry also said India is in contact with Iranian authorities to ensure safe passage for vessels and has already facilitated the movement of LPG carriers and other ships through the strait.
Notably, the United States did not participate in the UK-led talks after President Donald Trump stated that countries dependent on the route should take the lead in securing it.
The development places increased responsibility on major energy importers like India to safeguard their maritime and energy interests, while carefully avoiding deeper involvement in the ongoing regional conflict.
