India to join UK-led talks on Strait of Hormuz, says MEA
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India will take part in United Kingdom-led talks on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri representing New Delhi, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the UK had invited several countries, including India, for discussions on restoring operations in the key shipping route.
"The UK side has invited several countries, including India, for talks on the Strait of Hormuz. From our side, the Foreign Secretary is attending the meeting this evening," Jaiswal said during the weekly media briefing.
He said India remained in contact with Iran and other countries in the region to ensure safe passage for ships carrying liquefied petroleum gas, liquefied natural gas, and other goods.
Jaiswal said six Indian ships had crossed the Strait of Hormuz safely in recent days following diplomatic engagement with regional governments.
The talks, organised by the United Kingdom, are aimed at exploring diplomatic and economic measures to reopen the strategically important waterway, which links the Persian Gulf to global markets.
The UK has brought together 35 countries, excluding the United States, in an effort to address the continuing blockade of the strait, which Western countries have attributed to Iran.
The meeting comes as the disruption to the route continues to affect global energy supplies and trade flows.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the next phase of UK and French diplomatic efforts to restore safe passage would begin on Thursday.
