India’s participation in important UK meeting on Hormuz, big statement by Foreign Secretary Misri

India’s **Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri** participated in a virtual meeting convened by the UK on April 2, 2026. In this meeting, the crisis arising in the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing US-Israel-Iran war in West Asia was discussed. More than 35-40 countries participated (widespread reports range from 35 to more than 60). The main focus of the meeting was on diplomatic and economic measures to restore shipping traffic through this vital waterway.

The Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20% of the world’s oil and LNG trade is carried, is almost completely closed or heavily restricted from the end of February 2026. This happened after Iran retaliated in response to the US-Israeli attacks. Iran has selectively allowed passage to ships from “non-adversarial” countries—including some from India—while imposing sanctions or tariffs on others. This has led to a sharp decline in shipping traffic and a sharp rise in energy prices around the world.

Misri reiterated India’s position of **de-escalation**, return to **dialogue and diplomacy**, and respect for **freedom of navigation and navigation in international waterways**. He also underlined the impact of this crisis on India’s **energy security**. He pointed out that India is the only country to lose its sailors in attacks on merchant ships in the Gulf region (reports confirm that at least two Indian sailors were killed and one is missing in earlier incidents). India is in direct touch with Iran to ensure safe movement of its ships carrying LPG, LNG and other goods.

UK Foreign Secretary **Evette Cooper** described Iran’s actions as “hijacking” an international shipping route and holding the global economy “hostage”. He called for coordinated diplomatic and economic pressure to reopen the strait. No representative of the US or China was present in this meeting held through video link. This meeting took place after US President **Donald Trump**’s address in which he announced that Iran’s army has been almost completely “destroyed”. He also indicated that this war could end in 2-3 weeks. At the same time, he urged countries dependent on Hormuz oil to “take courage now” and “just take possession of it, protect it and use it for your own purposes.” This indicated that the US would not lead efforts to secure this route. The purpose of the meeting in the UK was to jointly plan post-ceasefire measures, including possible demining, although no further details were given. Iran has allowed limited energy shipments (including some to India), while refusing direct negotiations with the US, but accepting third-party negotiations.