India Praises Direct Diplomacy with Iran as Key to Strait of Hormuz Access
India has lauded its direct negotiations with Iran as the "most effective way" to resume shipping through the disrupted Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway that has significantly impacted global energy supplies. In a significant development, Tehran has permitted Indian-flagged vessels to traverse this route, offering a glimmer of hope amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Jaishankar Highlights Diplomatic Success in Financial Times Interview
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, in an exclusive interview with the Financial Times, emphasized the tangible outcomes of India's diplomatic engagement with Iran's leadership. He stated, "My talking has yielded some results," specifically pointing to the renewed access for Indian ships through the Strait of Hormuz. This progress comes in the wake of former US President Donald Trump's call for approximately seven countries, including China, France, and the United Kingdom, to deploy warships to police the waterway, which Iran controls.
Trump urged these nations to protect the strait as if it were "their own territory," as governments worldwide grapple with surging energy prices following Tehran's closure of the route. Countries are now weighing options ranging from diplomatic talks with Iran to potential military involvement, which could further entangle them in the spiraling Middle East conflict.
India's Diplomatic Approach Sets a Precedent
Jaishankar detailed how negotiations between New Delhi and Tehran led to the passage of two Indian-flagged gas tankers through the Strait of Hormuz on a recent Saturday, showcasing what diplomacy can achieve. He remarked, "I am at the moment engaged in talking to them and my talking has yielded some results. This is ongoing. If it is yielding results for me, I would naturally continue to look at it."
Outlining India's crisis management strategy, Jaishankar indirectly suggested a similar path for other nations. He asserted, "Certainly, from India's perspective, it is better that we reason and we co-ordinate and we get a solution than we don't. So if that sort of allows other people to engage, I think the world is better off for it."
Global Energy Markets in Turmoil
Oil prices soared above $100 per barrel last week for the first time since August 2022, with industry analysts predicting further increases as the conflict persists into the spring. Iran's new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, declared last week that the country's military would continue to block the narrow waterway, through which approximately one-fifth of the world's oil and gas previously transited.
In response, European countries such as France and Italy have initiated talks with Tehran to explore diplomatic solutions that could allow energy shipments to resume. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed on CBS that Iran is "open" to discussions with countries seeking "safe passage of their vessels."
EU Discussions and Naval Mission Considerations
Jaishankar's comments preceded his participation in a meeting of European Union foreign ministers in Brussels, where deliberations are expected on expanding the mandate of the EU's Aspides naval mission in the Red Sea to include the Strait of Hormuz. Currently, this mission involves three warships from France, Italy, and Greece.
When questioned about whether European nations could replicate India's arrangement, Jaishankar noted, "Each relationship frankly, in a way stands on its own merits. So now, it's very hard for me to compare this with some other relationship which may or may not have these." He added, "I'd be happy to share with [EU capitals] what we are doing . . . I know many of them have had conversations [with Tehran] as well."
No Blanket Arrangements, Emphasizing Bilateral Ties
Jaishankar clarified that there is no "blanket arrangement" with Iran for Indian-flagged vessels, explaining that "every ship movement is an individual happening." He also denied that Iran received any concessions in return, citing a "history of dealing with each other . . . which is the basis on which I engaged."
He emphasized, "It's not an exchange issue. India and Iran have a relationship. And this is a conflict that we regard as something very unfortunate." Jaishankar concluded by acknowledging the early stages of this development, stating, "These are still early days. We have many more ships there. So while this is a welcome development, there is continuing conversation because there is continued work on that."
