New Delhi: Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Thursday joined UK-led talks on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The virtual gathering was attended by more than 60 countries. Speaking at the meeting, Misri noted that India was the only country which has lost its mariners at the Strait of Hormuz amidst the ongoing conflict.
India emphasises upon principles of freedom of maritime navigation
India, represented by Misri emphasised upon the freedom of maritime navigation, at the UK-led meeting. He also made clear India’s stance on the ongoing conflict. The Foreign Secretary reportedly “underlined that the way out of the crisis consisted of de-escalation and a return to the path of diplomacy and dialogue among all concerned parties.”
Misri further highlighted the impact of the crisis on India’s energy security and the fact that India remains the only country that had lost mariners in attacks on merchant ships in the Gulf, said a statement from the External Affairs Ministry.
So far at least 3 Indian sailors working on foreign merchant ships have been killed in attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, said a report from the Directorate General of Shipping.
US skips meeting
While India joined the UK-led meeting, the US chose to skip it. The US administration and especially President Donald Trump has personally been very critical about the UK not helping it in the ongoing conflict with Iran.
The meeting came as countries of the world stepped up efforts to bring about stability in one of the world’s most important energy corridors. The MEA said that India is also engaging with regional players in the Middle East, including Iran, to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, reported Network 18.
MEA spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that India was in touch with Iran and other countries to work out how ships can transit the Strait of Hormuz safely and without obstructions. He said that the dialogues were already yielding results.
The MEA spokesperson informed that the continuous dialogues had helped 6 Indian ships to pass safely through the Strait of Hormuz. He said that India continues to remain in touch with all relevant parties amid the ongoing conflict.