So far, at least three Indian seafarers on board foreign-flagged vessels have been killed and one has been injured while their vessels were stranded in the Hormuz Strait
New Delhi has called for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz — which has been under Iran’s chokehold since the war began in the Middle East — noting that India was the only nation that has lost citizens in the conflict-hit waterway. During a multilateral meeting convened by the UK on the situation in the Middle East, India also highlighted the importance of ensuring safe and free navigation through international waterways.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, who represented India at the virtual gathering attended by more than 60 countries, reiterated India’s official stance about diplomacy being the most viable path for de-escalation of the ongoing conflict.
“He emphasised the impact of the crisis on India’s energy security and the fact that India remains the only country to have lost mariners in attacks on merchant shipping in the Gulf,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
Highlighting the direct implications of the ongoing crisis, the Foreign Secretary drew attention to India’s energy security, which remains closely tied to developments in West Asia. He pointed out that volatility in the region has had tangible consequences for India, particularly in the context of maritime safety.
“He also underlined that the way out of the crisis consisted of de-escalation and a return to the path of diplomacy and dialogue among all concerned parties,” it added.
So far, at least three Indian seafarers on board foreign-flagged vessels have been killed and one has been injured while their vessels were stranded in the Hormuz Strait, according to the Directorate General of Shipping.
India Joins Hormuz Talks
India has joined a meeting of over 60 countries in the UK to explore ways to reopen the vital Strait of Hormuz, whose closure has sent oil prices spiralling.
The meeting comes as nations around the Persian Gulf continue to witness heightened instability, with concerns mounting over disruptions to key shipping lanes, including those critical for global energy supplies. India, being one of the world’s largest importers of crude oil, has repeatedly emphasised the need for stability in the region to safeguard its economic interests.
Indians in the Gulf
According to official figures, approximately 10 million Indian citizens reside in the Gulf countries. The Foreign Ministry said all Indians in these nations are safe. “Our embassies in all these countries remain in constant contact with them,” the ministry said.
