New Delhi : PM Narendra Modi on Thursday held a series of high-level conversations with global leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. PM Modi spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron, highlighting the shared global concern over the conflict, wherein the US and Israel have been engaged in a fierce military face-off with Iran.
Spoke with my dear friend on the situation in West Asia and the urgent need for de-escalation, as well as a return to dialogue and diplomacy, the PM said, adding that both nations would continue “close coordination to advance peace and stability in the region and beyond. The narrow waterway, about 50 km wide at its tightest point, carries nearly 20 million barrels of oil daily and significant LNG volumes.
PM Modi said, “Had a productive conversation with my brother Sultan Haitham bin Tariq and conveyed advance Eid greetings to the people of Oman”. Emphasising the urgency of de-escalation, he added, “We agreed on the need to prioritise dialogue and diplomacy for de-escalation and subsequent restoration of peace and stability”.
Against the backdrop of rising tensions and concerns around Iran’s posture in the region, the prime minister stressed India’s position, stating, he “Reiterated India’s condemnation of the violation of Oman’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and appreciated Oman’s efforts to facilitate the safe return of thousands of people, including Indian nationals”.
He further stressed the importance of maritime security, noting, India and Oman stand for safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. In a separate conversation with his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim, PM Modi conveyed Eid greetings while discussing the crisis. He said, We also discussed the deeply concerning situation in West Asia and reaffirmed our shared commitment to de-escalation and the early restoration of peace and stability through dialogue and diplomacy.
Over 85% of its crude oil is imported, much of it from the Middle East via this route. Around 50–55% of India’s oil and LNG supplies pass through the strait. With strategic reserves covering only about eight to nine days and no equivalent gas storage, prolonged disruption could have quickly strained supplies. The PM’s latest rendezvous with these leaders came a day after he spoke with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, extending advance Eid greetings while discussing the evolving situation in the Middle East.
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