India to join 35 countries' efforts to reopen Hormuz
What's the story
India has been invited by the United Kingdom to participate in a meeting of 35 countries aimed at reopening the crucial Strait of Hormuz. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri will attend the virtual meeting on Thursday. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "The UK side has invited several countries, which also include India, for talks on the Strait of Hormuz."
Official statement
India in touch with Iran, other nations
He added that India is in touch with Iran and other nations to ensure safe passage for its ships. "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, which are carrying products including LPG, LNG...Through this conversation...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."
Economic impact
Strategic importance of Strait of Hormuz
The Strait of Hormuz is a major chokepoint for global trade, with 20% of the world's energy supplies passing through it. The closure has severe implications for India as well, which relies on this route for nearly 40% of its oil imports and over 80% of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
Maritime security
UK to host meeting
The United Kingdom will be hosting the meeting of 35 nations, excluding the US, to discuss reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The meeting will be chaired by UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, followed by working-level meetings to finalize details. Cooper said foreign ministers and representatives from over 40 countries had joined the call to discuss "the urgent need to restore freedom of navigation for international shipping, and the strength of our international determination to see the Strait reopen once more."
Policy shift
US President Trump on reopening strait
The meeting comes after US President Donald Trump urged oil-importing nations to show "courage" and seize Hormuz. He said the US imports almost no oil through the Hormuz Strait and won't be taking any in the future. "And the countries...that do receive oil through the Hormuz Strait must take care of that passage....They must grab it and cherish it," Trump said.