India on Monday clarified that it is not engaged in any bilateral discussions with the United States regarding participation in a coalition to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, currently affected by Iranian control. Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal, stated at a press briefing in New Delhi that while several countries are discussing the issue bilaterally, India has not held any such talks.
The Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil passage through which around 20% of global oil supplies move, has remained effectively closed to certain countries following recent US and Israeli strikes on Iran. While some Indian-flagged vessels have managed to navigate the strait, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar clarified that these movements were the result of individual arrangements with Iran and not part of any broader agreement.
Earlier, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright had mentioned India among countries considered for a joint effort to secure the waterway, alongside China, Japan, the UK, France, and South Korea. However, Japan has already stated it has no plans to dispatch naval vessels, citing constitutional constraints, and India reiterated its non-involvement.
Iranian officials maintain that the strait remains open except for US and Israeli ships. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized that vessels of other nations are free to pass, though many avoid the route due to security concerns.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has expressed frustration over the lack of international cooperation, even suggesting that the US might withdraw from the region entirely, stating, “maybe we shouldn’t be there at all, because we don’t need it. We have a lot of oil.”
The ongoing closure and tensions have significantly impacted global oil prices, which have risen above $100 a barrel, highlighting the strategic and economic importance of the Strait of Hormuz.