India Seeks Maritime Security as US-Iran Conflict Disrupts Hormuz

The Government of India is conducting urgent diplomatic outreach to secure maritime trade and energy supplies following a naval conflict between Iran and a US-Israel coalition. The crisis escalated after Iran restricted shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting a US naval blockade of Iranian ports. These disruptions caused global oil and gas prices to surge, threatening India's economy, which relies on the strait for 25% of its oil and 30% of its LNG.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a phone call with US President Donald Trump to stress that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open, safe, and secure. Simultaneously, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar consulted with the foreign ministers of Israel and Australia to discuss West Asian security. During a Japan-led Asia Zero Emission Community meeting, Jaishankar condemned attacks on merchant shipping as unacceptable and warned against the constriction of energy markets. In response to the regional instability, Japan launched the $10 billion POWERR Asia initiative to help Asian governments diversify energy sources.

To mitigate the impact of the conflict, India is sourcing oil from diversified providers and coordinating with energy leaders in Qatar and the UAE. The Ministry of External Affairs is currently working with several nations to ensure the safe return of remaining Indian ships from the region. While the US and Iran are attempting to restart negotiations following the collapse of previous talks in Islamabad, former diplomat Dinkar P. Srivastava suggested India leverage its unique trust with both sides to mediate de-escalation.