New Delhi: Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri Thursday called for a return to diplomacy to resolve the crisis in West Asia as he represented India at a UK-hosted meeting of over 60 nations that focused on securing global shipping routes through the volatile Strait of Hormuz.
Misri, joining the deliberations through virtual mode, articulated New Delhi’s stance on the safety of international shipping lanes in the region amid Iran’s partial blockade of the strategic waterway, which has severely disrupted global oil and gas supplies.
In his remarks at the meeting, the foreign secretary noted the importance of the principles of freedom of navigation and unimpeded transit through international waterways, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
It said Misri emphasised the impact of the crisis on India’s energy security and the fact that it remains the only country to have lost mariners in attacks on merchant shipping in the Gulf.
He also underlined that the way out of the crisis consisted of de-escalation and a return to the path of diplomacy and dialogue among all concerned parties, the MEA said in a brief statement.
Global oil and gas prices have surged after Iran virtually blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow shipping lane between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, that handles roughly 20 per cent of global oil and LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas). West Asia has been a major source of India’s energy procurement.
As far as India is concerned, you very well know that we stand for free and open commercial shipping, and for maritime security in keeping with international law, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at his weekly media briefing.
We continue to call for ensuring safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz as a matter of priority, he said.
Jaiswal said the UK invited several countries, including India, for talks on the Strait of Hormuz, and Misri attended it.
We are in touch with Iran and other countries to see how best we can get unimpeded and safe transit for our ships, which are carrying products including LPG and LNG, he said.
Through these conversations over the last few days, six Indian-flagged vessels have been able to safely cross the Strait of Hormuz. We continue to be in touch with relevant parties on this matter, Jaiswal said.
The external affairs ministry spokesperson said New Delhi is closely following all developments relating to the West Asia conflict.
There have been growing global concerns over disruptions in commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, with many leading powers pressing for the full reopening of the waterway.
Iran has allowed ships belonging to its friendly countries to transit through the waterway.
In the last couple of weeks, India has made diplomatic efforts focusing on ending the conflict in West Asia as soon as possible and ensuring the unimpeded flow of energy through the Strait of Hormuz.
New Delhi thinks there could be serious ramifications for fuel and fertiliser security for many countries, including India, if the blockade of the shipping lane continues.
