A huge global diplomatic stir has started amid increasing tension in West Asia and the choking of the ‘Strait of Hormuz’. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called an emergency meeting to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and smooth the supply of oil and gas around the world. More than 60 countries of the world participated in this general meeting, in which India also registered its presence and took a very strong stand.
India bluntly on the table of diplomacy
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, India was represented by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri in this high-profile meeting. He told the countries around the world that unhindered movement of ships on international sea routes is the right of every country. There can be no compromise on this. The Foreign Secretary expressed concern that this entire crisis is directly impacting India’s energy security.
The most important thing that India put before the world in the meeting called by Britain was the safety of Indian citizens. The Foreign Secretary said that India is the only country which has lost its brave sailors in the attacks on merchant ships in the Gulf region. He said the solution to this problem is not more war. If the world has to come out of this crisis, all parties will have to immediately lay down their arms and return to the negotiating table.
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Reality of ‘toll’
On the other hand, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that the Strait of Hormuz is important for India. Through this route, a large quantity of cooking gas (LPG), natural gas (LNG) and crude oil comes into the country. It is the result of India’s back-channel diplomacy and continuous talks that in the last few days, 6 Indian ships have been successful in crossing Hormuz safely. Apart from this, the spokesperson also completely refuted the rumors claiming that Iran is preparing to collect huge ‘toll tax’ on Indian ships passing through this route. The Foreign Ministry said that no such discussions have taken place with Iran.
Strict attitude on the safety of soldiers
Amidst the smoldering atmosphere of West Asia, India has given a strong message regarding the security of its about 600 soldiers deployed under the United Nations Peace Mission in Lebanon. The Foreign Ministry has made it clear that attacks on peacekeepers will not be tolerated.