Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Thursday represented India at a summit of nearly 30 countries hosted by the United Kingdom that focused on ensuring safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz amid Iran’s partial blockade of the strategic waterway that has severely disrupted global oil and gas supplies, news agency PTI reported.
Misri, who joined the talks virtually, expressed New Delhi’s position on the security of international sea lanes in the region, the agency said.
“As far as India is concerned, you know very well that we stand for free and open commercial shipping and for maritime security in accordance with international law,” External Affairs Ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal said at his weekly media briefing.
“We continue to call for ensuring safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz as a matter of priority,” he said.
Global oil and gas prices surged after Iran effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow shipping lane between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman that handles about 20 percent of the world’s oil and LNG (liquefied natural gas). West Asia was India’s main source of energy supply.
The UK has invited several countries, including India
Jaiswal said the UK had invited several countries, including India, for talks on the Strait of Hormuz and Misri had attended.
“We are in contact with Iran and other countries to see how we can best ensure smooth and safe transit for our ships that carry products including LPG and LNG,” he said.
“Through these talks over the last few days, six Indian-flagged vessels were able to cross the Strait of Hormuz safely. We continue to be in touch with the relevant parties on this matter,” Jaiswal said.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs said that Delhi is closely monitoring all developments related to the conflict in West Asia.
Concerns are growing globally about the disruption of commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, and many leading powers are pushing for the waterway to be fully reopened.
Iran has allowed ships from friendly countries to pass through the waterway.
As far as India is concerned, you know very well that we are for free and open commercial traffic and maritime security in accordance with international law.
In the past few weeks, India has made diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the conflict in West Asia as quickly as possible and ensuring the unhindered flow of energy through the Strait of Hormuz.
New Delhi believes that if the blockade of the shipping lane continues, it could have serious implications for fuel and fertilizer security for many countries, including India.
