New Delhi: India has urged the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, which has remained under Iran’s control since the escalation of conflict in the Middle East, highlighting that it is the only country to have lost citizens in incidents in the affected waterway. The appeal was made during a multilateral meeting hosted by the United Kingdom, where India also stressed the need to ensure safe and uninterrupted navigation across international sea routes.

India raises concerns at global meeting

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri represented India at the virtual meeting, which brought together more than 60 nations to deliberate on the situation in the region. During the discussions, he reiterated New Delhi’s position that diplomacy remains the most effective route to de-escalate tensions.

According to a statement issued by the Foreign Ministry, Misri highlighted the impact of the crisis on India’s energy security. He also pointed out that India is the only nation to have lost mariners in attacks on merchant vessels operating in the Gulf.

Highlighting the broader implications of the conflict, the Foreign Secretary noted that India’s energy needs are closely linked to developments in West Asia. He underlined that instability in the region has had direct consequences, particularly in relation to maritime safety.

The ministry added that India continues to advocate for de-escalation and a return to dialogue among all parties involved, stressing that diplomatic engagement is essential to resolving the crisis.

Indian seafarers among casualties

Data from the Directorate General of Shipping indicates that at least three Indian seafarers aboard foreign-flagged ships have been killed, while one has been injured, in incidents linked to the ongoing conflict in the Strait of Hormuz.

India joins talks to reopen key oil route

India’s participation in the UK-led meeting reflects growing international concern over the closure of the Strait, a critical artery for global oil supplies. The disruption has contributed to a sharp rise in crude prices, raising alarm among major energy-importing nations.

Countries in the Persian Gulf region continue to face heightened instability, with fears of further disruptions to shipping lanes that are vital to global trade and energy flows. As one of the world’s largest importers of crude oil, India has repeatedly stressed the importance of maintaining stability in the region to protect its economic interests.

Safety of Indian nationals in the region

Official figures indicate that around 10 million Indian citizens are currently residing in Gulf countries. The Foreign Ministry confirmed that all Indian nationals in these regions are safe, adding that Indian embassies remain in constant communication with them.

So far, eight Indian citizens have lost their lives in the conflict, while one individual remains unaccounted for.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that the Ministry of External Affairs, in coordination with the Ministry of Shipping and Indian missions abroad, is working to ensure the safety and welfare of citizens.

He added that authorities are closely monitoring developments in the Gulf region, including the ongoing conflict and the situation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Evacuation efforts underway

India has also facilitated the evacuation of 204 nationals from Iran through the land border into Azerbaijan, with more citizens expected to return in the coming days.

The government expressed its gratitude to Azerbaijan for extending support in the evacuation process.

With agency inputs