- New Delhi Says Safe Shipping Routes Will Ease Energy, Fertilizer and Supply Chain Pressures
NEW DELHI: India has welcomed the restoration of stable maritime movement through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, with the country’s top security official saying that uninterrupted shipping would help reduce pressure on global energy markets and ease supply challenges.
Addressing a BRICS security meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday, Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval described the reopening of the vital waterway as a “highly welcome development,” highlighting its importance for India’s energy security and economic stability.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical trade routes, carrying a significant share of global oil and gas shipments.
India Highlights Importance of Secure Energy Supplies
India, one of the world’s largest energy consumers, relies heavily on imported crude oil and has faced supply disruptions during recent tensions involving the United States and Iran.
Doval said the restoration of maritime stability would help improve global supply chains and reduce shortages affecting essential commodities.
“It will help ease supply chain bottlenecks, and many shortages in fertilizers, chemicals, and other essential commodities may be alleviated,” he said.
The statement reflects India’s broader focus on maintaining secure trade routes, protecting economic growth, and ensuring reliable access to critical resources.
BRICS Meeting Strengthens India’s Diplomatic Engagement
The comments came as senior security officials from BRICS countries gathered in New Delhi to discuss global and regional challenges.
During the meetings, Doval held discussions with Iranian official Ghadir Nezamipour, a senior member of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, as well as Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
Representatives from Russia, South Africa, and Brazil also participated in the high-level discussions.
Shipping Activity Shows Signs of Recovery
Maritime monitoring data indicated that shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz increased following the US-Iran agreement aimed at reducing tensions.
According to maritime tracking firm Kpler, at least 35 commodity carriers passed through the strait on Monday — the highest daily level since the beginning of the Middle East conflict in late February.
The figure represents nearly one-third of normal peacetime traffic, with the route typically handling around 120 vessel movements per day and nearly one-fifth of global oil and gas exports.
Analysts expect the number of crossings to rise further as additional vessel movements are recorded.
India and US Continue Trade Negotiations
Meanwhile, India continued efforts to strengthen economic ties with the United States as Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal held fresh talks with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in New Delhi.
US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said discussions were continuing on finalizing a bilateral trade agreement between the two countries.
The talks follow a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the G7 summit in France on June 17.
Modi said significant progress had been made in long-running trade negotiations, while Trump described the agreement as being “very close.”
India Targets Expanded Global Economic Role
Washington and New Delhi have set an ambitious goal of increasing bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030.
Multiple rounds of negotiations are underway to address market access issues, tariff concerns, and other trade barriers as both countries seek to deepen their strategic economic partnership.
India’s diplomatic push on maritime security and trade cooperation highlights New Delhi’s growing role in addressing global economic and security challenges.
BY: The Times Union
