New Delhi, India. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump spoke by phone on Tuesday and discussed the situation in the Middle East, including the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open.
First call since coordinated attacks
The conversation was the first call between the two leaders since the U.S. and Israel launched coordinated attacks against Iran on February 28. U.S. envoy to India Sergio Gor and Modi said in separate posts on X that the Middle East situation and the Strait of Hormuz were discussed.
Modi calls for de-escalation
Modi said India supports de-escalation and the restoration of peace at the earliest. He said ensuring that the Strait of Hormuz remains open, secure and accessible is essential for the whole world.
Impact on India’s energy and trade
The conflict has disrupted sectors including air travel, shipping and gas supplies, including by the near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which serves as a conduit for 40% of India’s crude oil imports.
Government assessment and White House confirmation
Modi told parliament on Monday that the crisis had triggered unprecedented challenges for India, while saying the fundamentals of the Indian economy were strong and that the country had adequate availability of petroleum, fertilisers and coal to weather trade and energy disruptions. A White House official confirmed the call between Trump and Modi but did not comment on what was discussed.
How do you think disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz could affect energy prices in your country?
