London, Apr 3:
India joined over 35 nations in a UK-convened summit on Thursday to discuss political and diplomatic measures to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which has been effectively closed since late February following US-Israel strikes on Iran.
Represented by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, India participated in the virtual talks focused on restoring freedom of navigation, ensuring the safety of trapped ships and seafarers, and resuming the flow of vital commodities. The UK emphasized diplomacy over military intervention, though Prime Minister Keir Starmer indicated that military planners would be involved once hostilities cease.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global chokepoint, accounting for around 20 percent of worldwide oil supplies. The ongoing conflict has driven Brent crude prices from about $70 to over $100 per barrel, while liquefied natural gas (LNG) and petroleum supplies have also been affected.
Several countries, including Japan, Australia, France, and Germany, had earlier called on Iran to allow free navigation through the strait and were expected to participate in the discussions.
For India, the conflict has significant energy implications. Negotiations with Tehran have allowed six Indian ships to transit safely, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has held talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and US President Donald Trump regarding the situation.
India relies heavily on West Asia for LNG, with Qatar supplying roughly 40 percent of its imports, though QatarEnergy has invoked force majeure on some contracts due to the ongoing crisis.
Helmed by UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, the summit underlined concerns that Iran’s actions are holding an international shipping route hostage, threatening global economic stability.
The coalition aims to coordinate diplomatic pressure to reopen the waterway, protect shipping, and stabilize energy supplies amid escalating geopolitical tensions.