Reports indicate that Iran is allowing passage only to select countries, including India.
New Delhi:Foreign secretary Vikram Misri on Thursday highlighted the importance of freedom of navigation and India’s energy security concerns during a Britain-led virtual meeting on the Strait of Hormuz. According to an official statement, Misri “noted the importance of the principles of freedom of navigation and unimpeded transit through international waterways and emphasised the impact of the crisis on India’s energy security”.
He also referred to the loss of Indian mariners in recent attacks. “India remains the only country to have lost mariners in attacks on merchant shipping in the Gulf,” he said, adding that the solution lay in “de-escalation and a return to the path of diplomacy and dialogue among all concerned parties”.
The meeting, convened by UK foreign secretary Yvette Cooper, saw participation from more than 60 countries, the government said. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that India joined the initiative at Britain’s invitation.
The discussions come amid disruptions in maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz following the West Asia conflict. Reports indicate that Iran is allowing passage only to select countries, including India.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said his government was exploring diplomatic options to reopen the route, which is critical for global oil supply. He said the meeting would assess measures to restore navigation, ensure safety of ships and resume movement of essential commodities.
British officials also raised concerns over disruption to international shipping, with reports quoting the UK side as saying the situation was affecting global economic stability.
