'India only country to lose mariners': Foreign Secy calls for reopening of Strait of Hormuz

Amid

growing concerns over disruptions in global oil and gas supply, India has called for the reopening of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, stressing the need for safe and uninterrupted maritime navigation.

Representing the country at a UK-hosted multilateral summit, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri underscored India’s position in favour of free and open commercial shipping in line with international law.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), during the discussions, Misri highlighted the serious implications of the crisis on India’s energy security and pointed out that India is the only country to have lost mariners in recent attacks on merchant vessels in the Gulf region.

He emphasised that the path forward lies in de-escalation and renewed diplomatic engagement among all parties involved. He further "emphasised the impact of the crisis on India’s energy security and the fact that India remains the only country to have lost mariners in attacks on merchant shipping in the Gulf," as per news agency ANI.

The high-level meeting was attended by over 60 countries and focused on ensuring safe passage through the Strait amid escalating tensions in West Asia.

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The government reiterated that maintaining stability in key international waterways remains critical for global trade and energy supply chains. "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," the statement read.

The partial blockade of the Strait—through which nearly 20% of global oil and gas trade passes—has led to rising fuel prices and disrupted LNG shipments worldwide. India, being one of the largest importers of crude oil, has been directly affected by these developments.

India is actively engaging with regional stakeholders, including Iran, to ensure safe transit for its vessels carrying essential commodities such as LPG and LNG. These diplomatic efforts have already yielded results, with at least six Indian-flagged ships successfully navigating the Strait in recent days.

Addressing a press briefing ahead of the meeting, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "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."

"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," he was quoted as saying by ANI.

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According to India's Directorate General of Shipping, at least three Indian sailors have been killed in attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, all while serving on foreign-flagged merchant vessels.