India has been invited by the United Kingdom to participate in a high-level meeting of 35 countries aimed at exploring ways to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, as its closure continues to disrupt global energy markets and push oil prices higher.
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The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed on Thursday that Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri will attend the virtual meeting. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India remains actively engaged with regional stakeholders to ensure safe and uninterrupted maritime transit.
Jaiswal highlighted that India is in continuous communication with Iran and other regional players to safeguard shipping routes crucial for energy imports. He confirmed that six Indian vessels have already successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz in recent days amid heightened tensions.
India’s concerns are particularly significant given its dependence on the route. Approximately 40% of the country’s crude oil, 50% of liquefied natural gas (LNG), and over 80% of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) imports pass through the narrow waterway, making any disruption a major economic risk.
Global Coalition Forms to Restore Maritime Security
The initiative, led by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has brought together a broad coalition including France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Canada and the United Arab Emirates.
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Starmer said the meeting would evaluate diplomatic and political measures to restore freedom of navigation, ensure the safety of stranded ships and seafarers, and resume the movement of critical commodities. He added that military planners would later be consulted to assess operational strategies to secure the route once hostilities ease.
The meeting is being chaired by UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and will be followed by working-level discussions to finalise actionable steps.
Trump’s Remarks Add to Diplomatic Tensions
Amid these coordinated efforts, Donald Trump triggered controversy with a series of remarks on his Truth Social platform, suggesting that US allies should take responsibility for securing their own energy supplies.
In a strongly worded post, Trump urged countries affected by the Strait of Hormuz disruption to “get their own oil” and indicated that the United States would not intervene to assist them. His comments marked a shift from earlier positions where reopening the strait had been framed as a key US priority.
The remarks have added a layer of geopolitical uncertainty to an already fragile situation, even as discussions continue around a possible ceasefire arrangement linked to restoring access to the strait.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most critical maritime chokepoints in the world, handling nearly 20% of global energy supplies. Its closure, following escalating hostilities involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, has had immediate ripple effects across global markets.
For India, the stakes are particularly high due to its heavy reliance on energy imports routed through the strait. Ensuring uninterrupted access remains a top strategic and economic priority for New Delhi.
Strategic Stakes Rise as Talks Continue
Thursday’s meeting is expected to set the stage for a coordinated international response to one of the most significant energy security crises in recent years. With diplomacy, military planning, and economic interests all converging, the outcome of these discussions could shape the next phase of the conflict and determine the stability of global energy markets.
