UK Invites India for Talks on Strait of Hormuz Reopening Amid West Asia Tensions

The United Kingdom on Thursday extended an invitation to India for high-level discussions on the potential reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, amid escalating tensions in West Asia linked to the ongoing regional conflict.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that India’s Foreign Secretary will participate in the meeting. The development comes at a critical time, as India remains heavily dependent on energy imports, with nearly 88 per cent of its crude oil requirements sourced from abroad and a significant share originating from West Asia. A large proportion of these supplies passes through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

Estimates suggest that 40–50 per cent of India’s crude oil imports are transported through this narrow shipping corridor, underscoring its importance to the country’s energy security. The vulnerability is even more pronounced in the case of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), where India imports around 60 per cent of its consumption, with nearly 90 per cent of these shipments transiting through the strait.

Amid the ongoing conflict, shipments of crude oil and LPG bound for India have experienced disruptions, with vessels operating under heightened surveillance and, in certain cases, naval escort.

The UK-hosted meeting is expected to bring together representatives from approximately 35 countries and will be chaired by British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper. Participating nations include France, Germany, Italy, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates. The United States, however, will not take part in the deliberations.

The meeting follows remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump, who stated that ensuring free passage through the strait was the responsibility of countries dependent on the route. He suggested that the waterway could reopen “naturally” and urged affected nations to take necessary action.

Iran has reportedly restricted access to the Strait of Hormuz in response to recent U.S.-Israeli strikes that began in late February. The disruption has had significant global repercussions, as the strait accounts for nearly 20 per cent of worldwide oil shipments. Rising energy prices have intensified pressure on governments to restore normal maritime movement.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that the talks would focus on “all viable diplomatic and political measures” to ensure safe navigation once conditions allow. He acknowledged that reopening the route would be complex, requiring both coordinated security arrangements and sustained diplomatic engagement.