NEW DELHI, APRIL 2: India joined more than 40 nations on Thursday for an international summit convened by the United Kingdom to discuss the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri represented India in the virtual meeting, which aimed to address the severe disruption of global energy and fertilizer supplies caused by the ongoing blockade of the strategic waterway.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) affirmed that India’s participation underscores its commitment to maritime security and the principle of free navigation. Speaking at a weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the UK invited several countries, including India, to explore diplomatic and political measures to restore transit through the corridor.
“We continue to call for ensuring safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz as a matter of priority,” Jaiswal declared. He noted that India remains in close coordination with Iran and other regional stakeholders to facilitate the “unimpeded and safe transit” of merchant vessels, particularly those carrying essential LPG and LNG supplies.
The spokesperson asserted that these diplomatic efforts have already yielded practical results. He affirmed that over the last several days, six Indian-flagged vessels were able to safely navigate the strait. However, concerns remain for approximately 18 other Indian-flagged ships and several foreign-flagged carriers bound for India that are currently positioned west of the waterway.
The meeting, chaired by British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, included representatives from France, Germany, Japan, and the UAE, though the United States was not in attendance. Jaiswal maintained that India’s focus remains on safeguarding its energy interests, as the strait typically handles nearly half of the country’s oil imports.
While the summit did not result in an immediate breakthrough, officials affirmed that the discussions provided a platform for a coordinated international response to the maritime crisis. The MEA stated that India will continue to monitor the situation closely, ensuring that its commercial interests are protected through active engagement with all relevant parties.
