India participated in a key meeting chaired by British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper aimed at finding ways to reopen the Hormuz Strait and ensure safe global maritime trade. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri represented India at the online meeting, held at the UK’s invitation.
At the meeting, Cooper sharply criticised Iran over the rising tensions in the Hormuz Strait, describing the situation as a direct attack on global economic security. She said Iran’s actions had put international trade and energy supply at serious risk and that Britain was stepping up its diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis.
According to Cooper, over 25 ships have been attacked in this critical maritime corridor so far. Around 20,000 sailors aboard approximately 2,000 vessels are stranded, putting immense pressure on global supply chains. The disruption has affected LNG supplies to Asia, fertilisers to Africa, and jet fuel supplies worldwide.
India has maintained continuous contact with Iran and other relevant countries to ensure safe and unhindered passage for its ships through the Hormuz Strait. The MEA also clarified that there has been no agreement between India and Iran involving any toll or payment for transit through the strait.