Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday spoke with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, emphasising the need to ensure freedom of navigation and secure global shipping routes amid the ongoing West Asia conflict.
In a post on X, PM Modi said he discussed the evolving regional situation with the Saudi leadership and reiterated India’s condemnation of attacks on energy infrastructure.
Both leaders agreed on the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation and ensuring that shipping lanes remain open and secure, particularly in view of heightened tensions in the region.
The Prime Minister also thanked the Saudi Crown Prince for his continued support towards the welfare of the Indian community living in the kingdom.
The conversation comes against the backdrop of escalating hostilities following the US-Israel military campaign against Iran, which began on February 28 and has significantly disrupted maritime activity in the region.
Earlier this week, Modi also held a phone conversation with US President Donald Trump, marking their first interaction since the conflict began. During that exchange, the Prime Minister underlined the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open, describing it as vital for global peace, stability and economic well-being.
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The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil transit chokepoints, has witnessed severe disruption, with shipping activity largely curtailed due to Iranian actions targeting commercial vessels.
Iran, however, has indicated that “non-hostile vessels” may still transit the waterway if they coordinate with its authorities. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that tankers from five “friendly nations”, China, Russia, India, Iraq and Pakistan, would be allowed safe passage, while warning that vessels linked to adversaries would continue to face restrictions.
Despite the tensions, some shipments have resumed. Two liquefied petroleum gas tankers, BW Elm and BW Tyr, recently crossed the Strait en route to India, according to ship-tracking data.
The latest diplomatic outreach highlights India’s efforts to engage key regional and global stakeholders to safeguard maritime routes and energy supplies amid the ongoing crisis.
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