Strait of Hormuz latest news: On Thursday, India clarified its position by emphasising that it was the only nation to have lost citizens in the conflict-hit Strait of Hormuz.

The comment came from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) during a multilateral meeting convened by the UK on reopening the closed waterway.

New Delhi also emphasised the importance of upholding the principles of free maritime navigation.

UK Hormuz Meeting: Misri Reaffirms India’s Diplomacy at Summit

Representing India at the virtual meeting, attended by 60 nations, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri emphasised that diplomacy is the best solution to end the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

According to MEA, he also emphasised that the solution to the crisis lies in reducing tensions and concentrating on diplomacy and initiating communication with everyone involved.

Vikram Misri Diplomacy Statement

As per MEA statement, Misri also stressed on the impact of the crisis on India’s energy security and pointed out India being the only country to have lost its mariners during attacks on merchant ships in the Gulf.

According to India’s Directorate General of Shipping, so far, around three Indian sailors, who served on foreign-flagged vessels, lost their lives during attacks in the Strait of Hormuz.

Middle East Shipping Conflict: India’s Talks With Iran and Others for Safe Passage

The meeting initiated by the United Kingdom was part of an effort by countries to ensure stability in the vital energy corridor.

India is also cooperating with regional players in the Middle East, including Iran, to allow opening of shipping lanes, MEA said.

The words of MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal before the summit, were’’We are in touch with Iran and other countries to ensure safe and unhindered transit for our ships.’’

Adding further, he also stated about the positive outcome of these discussions.

According to him he is thankful that because of these talks, the safe passage of six Indian ships through the Strait of Hormuz has been made possible. Also the communication with the relevant parties is ongoing.

Strait of Hormuz Crisis: India Among the Few Countries to Pass Through Waterway

Iran has followed a selective approach in allowing which country ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

India being among the few countries whose cargo ships, carrying fuel, to have been granted permission to sail through amid ongoing crisis.

The MEA in its press briefing has quashed reports on levying of toll-like fees for Indian ships sailing through the Strait of Hormuz.

Non-Participation of the United States in the UK-Led Meeting

The global meeting led by the UK witnessed the absence of the United States in it.

This followed Trump's clear statement on not taking sole responsibility for securing the waterway that got closed due to war triggered by the US-Israel joint attack on Iran.

He in fact slammed US European allies for not being supportive to the war and renewed his threats to withdraw from NATO.

UK Foreign Secretary Urges Global Unity to Reopen the Strait of Hormuz

UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said the talks aimed to show global resolve to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. She warned that Iran has seized control of a key shipping route, putting the world economy at risk.

She also pointed to rising oil and food prices hitting households and businesses around the world. Leaders at the meeting focused on political and diplomatic solutions rather than military ones.

Here is the video of the UK Prime Minister briefing on the Strait of Hormuz matter.

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