Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri represented India on Thursday at the UK-hosted virtual summit of nearly 30 nations focused on ensuring safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, amid Iran’s partial blockade of the strategic waterway that has significantly disrupted global oil and gas supplies.
The summit was called by Britain to deliberate on efforts to reopen Hormuz amid the conflict in West Asia. India was invited by the UK to participate in the talks. Misri articulated New Delhi's stance on the safety of international shipping lanes in the region.
Speaking at a media briefing earlier in the day, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "The UK side has invited several countries, including India, for talks on the Strait of Hormuz".
"We are in touch with Iran and other countries there to see how best we can get unimpeded transit and safe transit for our ships, which are carrying products including LPG, LNG and other products," Jaiswal said.
"Through this conversation that we have had over the last several days, we have had six Indian ships which have been able to safely cross the Strait of Hormuz, and we continue to be in touch with relevant parties," he added.
UK's Hormuz summit snub to US
A coalition of around 30 nations is set to discuss plans to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz at a virtual summit hosted by Britain. The meeting is expected to explore diplomatic and political options for restoring access to the critical shipping lane, although the United States is not expected to participate.
Iran has targeted several vessels in the strait in response to the war involving the US and Israel, disrupting energy exports and driving up global fuel prices. On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump said it was up to other nations to “build up some delayed courage” and take steps to reopen the route.
Hormuz crisis
Iran has blocked the Strait of Hormuz in response to strikes by the United States and Israel that began in late February. The disruption has had a significant global impact, as the route accounts for nearly 20 per cent of the world’s oil supply.
India imports about 88 per cent of its crude oil requirements, with more than half sourced from West Asia, much of which passes through the Strait of Hormuz.
An estimated 40 to 50 per cent of India’s crude oil imports transit through the strait, making it a critical vulnerability for the country’s energy security.
