New Delhi, 02 April (H.S.):

The Ministry of External Affairs has said that India supports safe and uninterrupted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz in West Asia, stressing that free maritime movement is essential for securing global energy flows. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, observed that Gulf states are already seeking international action on the issue and noted that Bahrain has moved a draft resolution at the United Nations Security Council calling on Iran to de‑escalate and restore normal shipping in the Hormuz zone.

Jaiswal added that India is participating in a high‑level consultation convened by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on the regional situation, with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri representing India. He confirmed that the government is in touch with Iran and other countries to facilitate the unimpeded passage of Indian‑flagged vessels carrying critical commodities such as LPG, LNG and other petroleum products. So far, six Indian vessels have successfully transited the Hormuz area and are en route to India.

On regional energy cooperation, the spokesperson said several neighbouring countries have requested India to step up petroleum supplies. India has been meeting Bangladesh’s energy needs with regular fuel exports since 2007; Sri Lanka has recently received 38,000 metric tonnes of petroleum products as emergency assistance, and favourable arrangements for fuel sharing also remain in place with Nepal and Bhutan.

The Maldives has formally requested petroleum supplies, which, he said, are being examined in light of India’s domestic demand and availability.

Turning to the safety of overseas Indians, Jaiswal said about one crore (10 million) Indians live in the Gulf region and all are reported safe and in contact with Indian missions. Tragically, eight Indian nationals have died and one remains missing in the course of the ongoing conflict.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar