NEW DELHI: More than 60 countries, including India, held urgent talks on Thursday to chart a path to reopen the Strait of Hormuz amid mounting concerns over the disruption of energy supplies due to the escalating US-Iran war. The UK-led virtual meeting focused on diplomatic and economic options, commonly referred to as a 'Plan B,' to restore shipping through this critical energy corridor, particularly in light of fears that former President Donald Trump could cease US operations without securing navigation through the strait.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most strategically vital maritime chokepoints, linking the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea and bordered by Iran to the north and Oman to the south. It carries approximately one-fifth of global oil and gas supplies, making it indispensable for the global energy market and for major exporters such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Disruptions, such as the current blockade, send immediate shocks to global oil prices and supply chains, especially impacting energy-dependent economies in Asia, including India.

India was a significant participant in the meeting, represented by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. Misri joined counterparts from nations like France, Germany, and the UAE, emphasizing the “importance of freedom of navigation and unimpeded transit through international waterways.” He also pointed out that India has been uniquely affected by the conflict, having lost mariners in attacks against merchant vessels in the Gulf. Misri called for de-escalation and a collective return to diplomatic resolutions while highlighting India's ongoing coordination with Iran to ensure safe passage for Indian-flagged ships.

The meeting, chaired by UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, focused on political and diplomatic solutions to the crisis rather than military interventions. The absence of U.S. representatives at the meeting reflected growing concerns among allies that Washington may not prioritize reopening the strait in the near future. Participants underscored that any ceasefire deal must involve restoring navigation while also preparing contingency plans in case diplomatic efforts fail.

With daily ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz plummeting—from over 100 vessels before the onset of conflict to just a few now—about 2,000 ships remain stuck on either side, leading to dire consequences for countries reliant on Middle Eastern oil. Even as some countries scramble to adapt, India has managed limited respite by securing its status as a “friendly nation” alongside China and Russia, allowing specific conditional passage. However, talks regarding the imposition of transit fees by Iran could lead to more complications, as the U.S. has criticized such a move as illegal. The urgency of these discussions highlights the importance of diplomatic engagement to avert a broader crisis impacting global energy flows.