Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Apr 3: India has called for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting that it remains the only nation to have lost citizens in the conflict-hit waterway amid the ongoing Middle East crisis.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, representing India at a UK-led virtual meeting attended by over 60 countries, stressed the need for safe and free navigation through international waters. “India remains the only country to have lost mariners in attacks on merchant shipping in the Gulf,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

Misri also underscored the direct impact of the crisis on India’s energy security, noting that maritime instability in the region has tangible consequences for the nation. He reiterated that diplomacy and dialogue remain the only viable path for de-escalation.

So far, at least three Indian seafarers have been killed and one injured while serving on foreign-flagged vessels stranded in the Hormuz Strait, according to the Directorate General of Shipping.

India has actively joined the international effort to ensure stability in the Persian Gulf, a region critical to global energy supplies. The Foreign Ministry confirmed that all 10 million Indians residing in Gulf countries are safe, while eight citizens have died and one remains missing in the ongoing conflict.

In a humanitarian effort, India facilitated the safe exit of 204 nationals from Iran through the land border to Azerbaijan, with further evacuations expected. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal expressed gratitude to the Azerbaijani government for its support.