Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron on the escalating situation in West Asia, with both leaders underscoring the urgent need to restore safety and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
The telephonic conversation, initiated by Macron, comes amid heightened tensions in the region and growing concerns over disruptions to global shipping routes.
In a post on X, Modi said the two leaders agreed on the importance of ensuring unimpeded maritime movement through the strategic waterway, which remains crucial for global energy supplies. “We discussed the situation in West Asia and agreed on the need to urgently restore safety and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz,” he said.
The Prime Minister added that India and France would continue to work closely to advance peace and stability in the region and beyond.
The conflict in West Asia has now stretched to nearly 50 days, raising alarm over regional security and global economic stability. India has consistently advocated de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy as the only viable path forward.
Also read: Trump announces 10-day Israel-Lebanon ceasefire
At a briefing a day earlier, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India’s diplomatic engagement on the issue remains ongoing. He also referred to Modi’s recent conversation with US President Donald Trump, during which the evolving West Asia situation was discussed.
Since the conflict began on February 28 following US-Israel strikes on Iran and subsequent retaliation by Tehran, Modi has held discussions with multiple world leaders to push for stability.
Amid reports of disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has strongly emphasised the need for safe and unimpeded transit of merchant vessels, calling attacks on commercial shipping “completely unacceptable”.
The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow passage linking the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman, handles nearly 20 per cent of global oil and liquefied natural gas trade. Any disruption in the route has immediate implications for energy markets, with oil and gas prices already witnessing a surge following recent restrictions on vessel movement.
The conversation between Modi and Macron reflects growing international concern over maintaining stability in one of the world’s most critical maritime corridors.
Follow us
