'Only Nation To Lose Mariners In Iran War': India Attends UK-Led Talks on Strait of Hormuz Crisis

At the United Kingdom-led talks on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, India emphasised the impact of the Middle East crisis on its energy security, underscoring how it remains the only nation to have lost mariners in the Gulf attacks in recent days. The meeting was held virtually between 60 nations to discuss the Strait of Hormuz crisis, where New Delhi highlighted the importance of the principles of freedom of navigation and unimpeded transit through international waterways.At the gathering, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri reiterated India's official stance about diplomacy being the most viable path for de-escalation of the ongoing conflict. "He 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," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. Misri 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, MEA said.At least three Indian seafarers on board foreign-flagged vessels have been killed and one injured in the West Asian region. "There have been four reported incidents involving Indian seafarers in the region, resulting in three casualties and one injured seafarer, all of whom were serving on board foreign-flagged vessels," according to the Directorate General of Shipping.

How the Strait of Hormuz crisis is affecting India

Energy trade, including crude oil and natural gas, especially LPG to India, has been disrupted ever since Iran, in a strategic move to pressure the United States, closed the Hormuz, warning nations that any authorised passage in the region would be dealt with strongly. The nation has struck several vessels that tried to sail through without taking Iran into confidence. However, amid this, India, through its diplomatic outreach and friendly ties with Tehran, has been able to secure safe passage for its ships, while talks on bringing back other stuck vessels continue to advance.

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The Minsitry also discussed the safety of the Indian diaspora in the Gulf, assuring that respected embassies are in contact with them. So far, eight Indian citizens have lost their lives in the conflict, and one remains missing. "Ministry of External Affairs, in coordination with our Ministry of Shipping and all our Indian embassies in the region, we are dedicated to safeguarding the security and interests of our citizens. We are closely monitoring all developments and activities related to the Gulf region, this ongoing conflict, and the Strait of Hormuz," according to Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.(With agency inputs)