New Delhi: India has been invited by the United Kingdom to participate in a multilateral meeting of around 40 countries aimed at finding ways to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday. The strait has remained closed since the outbreak of the Iran War, pushing global oil prices sharply higher.
Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, speaking at a press briefing, said Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri would represent India at the virtual meeting held the same evening.
“The UK side has invited several countries, which also include India, for talks on the Strait of Hormuz. From our side, the foreign secretary is attending the meeting this evening,” Jaiswal said.
India has been actively engaging Iran and other regional actors to secure safe passage for its vessels. “We are in touch with Iran and other countries there to see how best we can get unimpeded transit and safe transit for our ships, which are carrying products including LPG, LNG, and other products. Through this conversation that we have had over the last several days, we have had six Indian ships which have been able to safely cross the Strait of Hormuz, and we continue to be in touch with relevant parties,” Jaiswal added.
The Strait of Hormuz carries approximately 20% of global energy supplies through its narrow passage and has been shut by Iran since the US and Israel launched attacks on the country.
Why the Strait Matters for India
The stakes for India are particularly high. Around 40% of its oil imports, 50% of its liquefied natural gas (LNG), and over 80% of its liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) pass through the strait, making unobstructed access a matter of energy security.
US President Donald Trump, who had been publicly pressing for the strait’s reopening, shifted tone sharply on Wednesday, telling allies including the UK to secure their own energy supplies without American assistance.
“All of those countries that can’t get jet fuel because of the Strait of Hormuz, like the United Kingdom, which refused to get involved in the decapitation of Iran, I have a suggestion for you: Number 1, buy from the US, we have plenty, and Number 2, build up some delayed courage, go to the Strait, and just TAKE IT,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
“You’ll have to start learning how to fight for yourself, the USA won’t be there to help you anymore, just like you weren’t there for us. Iran has been, essentially, decimated. The hard part is done. Go get your own oil!” he added.
Also Read:India Warns Pakistan Of Strong Retaliation Amid Iran War Tensions
Over 1,200 Indian Nationals Evacuated from Iran
Separately, the MEA confirmed that more than 1,200 Indian nationals have been safely evacuated from Iran as hostilities in West Asia continue to escalate. Of those evacuated, 845 are students. The evacuation has been routed through Armenia and Azerbaijan, with 996 individuals moved to the former and 204 to the latter.
“Some 1,200 Indian nationals have been evacuated, out of which 845 are students. 996 moved to Armenia and 204 to Azerbaijan, from where they are being helped by the MEA,” Jaiswal said at an inter-ministerial briefing. He added that transit arrangements are in place to facilitate their return to India.