New Delhi: The 17-day ongoing tension in West Asia has shaken the global energy market. 20% of global oil supply passing through the Strait of Hormuz is under threat, due to which crude oil prices have crossed $100 per barrel. In such a situation, India has adopted a strong path of diplomacy and ensured the safe passage of Indian flagged ships.
Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar clarified in an interview that India has not entered into any new agreement or transaction with Iran. He said, “We have a long-standing friendship and cooperation with Iran. It is on this basis that Indian-flagged ships are being evacuated safely. This is not a matter of deal or trade.”
Iran gave permission, but only to selected ships
Jaishankar said that direct and decisive dialogue is going on with Iranian officials, which is yielding positive results. Last week, two Indian LPG tankers were allowed to pass through Hormuz. The decision came hours after a telephonic conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian. The talks were the first contact between the two leaders after the start of the US-Iran conflict.
Apart from this, there were also frequent discussions between Jaishankar and Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi. Jaishankar stressed that each Indian ship is being allowed on a case-by-case basis and there are still many ships yet to pass through this route.
Hormuz closed for whom?
Iran has kept the Strait of Hormuz closed primarily to American, Israeli ships and their allies. India has chosen the path of peaceful dialogue in this crisis instead of military intervention or joining an alliance.
Trump’s call, but partner not ready
US President Donald Trump had appealed to his allies to send warships to protect Hormuz, but most countries including Japan and Australia refused. India has also adopted a strategy of protecting its interests through diplomatic channels instead of sending warships.
Jaishankar also said that India is ready to share its successful diplomacy with European countries, but every country’s situation with Iran is different, so the same formula cannot be applied to everyone.
This development shows that India has protected its trade interests amid the crisis through a balanced and independent foreign policy, without any major compromise or military pressure.
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