India Urges Safe Shipping Through Strait of Hormuz Amid Global Energy Security Concerns

New Delhi: Rising tensions in West Asia and partial sanctions imposed by Iran on the Strait of Hormuz have sent oil and gas prices soaring around the world. To ensure India's energy security in this critical situation, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri represented India today at a key 30-nation summit hosted by the UK. The main agenda of this virtual meeting was the safe reopening of this strategically vital waterway. India's clear stance: "Safe shipping is a priority." External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at the weekly media briefing that India has always been an advocate of free and open commercial shipping in accordance with international law. As 20 percent of the world's oil and LNG supplies pass through this narrow lane, its closure is a major threat to fuel and fertilizer security for many countries, including India. India has initiated a call for free movement through the Strait of Hormuz on a priority basis at this meeting with the Iranian ambassador.