India Condemns Shipping Attacks Amid Iran-US War, Hormuz Blockade

The Hindustan Times article accurately reports India's strong condemnation of attacks on commercial shipping amidst the escalating Iran-US war and the ensuing disruption in the Strait of Hormuz. India's High Commissioner to the UK, Vikram Doraiswamy, delivered this unequivocal message at the 36th extraordinary session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council in London on Thursday, March 20, 2026. He emphasized India's unwavering commitment to maritime security, freedom of navigation, and the paramount safety of all seafarers. The broader context reveals that a full-scale '2026 Iran War' commenced on February 28, 2026, following joint military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran, which tragically included the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. In retaliation, Iran launched missile and drone attacks targeting US military bases, Israeli territory, and oil infrastructure across the Middle East, including vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. This conflict has directly led to a severe crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime chokepoint through which approximately one-fifth of the world's daily oil supply and significant volumes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) pass. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued warnings prohibiting vessel passage, leading to a dramatic decline in maritime traffic, effectively creating a 'functional' or 'effective blockade' of the strait. This disruption has resulted in a global surge in oil and gas prices, with Brent crude surpassing US$100 per barrel for the first time in four years by March 8, 2026, reaching a peak of US$126 per barrel. The closure is posing a "paralyzing, real-time problem" for the US defense industry due to disruptions in critical mineral supply chains. India, being among the top three seafarer-supplying nations, contributing approximately 13 percent of the global seafaring workforce, expressed deep concern over the safety and welfare of its seafarers. The Indian envoy highlighted that attacks on commercial shipping and civilian maritime infrastructure are unacceptable and have resulted in the loss of innocent lives, injuries, and heightened risks to seafarers. India's energy security and trade are critically dependent on the safe and unimpeded passage through the Strait of Hormuz, and any disruption has direct and severe consequences for India's economy and global energy and humanitarian supply chains. Diplomatic efforts by India are ongoing to secure safe passage for its vessels. While two Indian-flagged LPG carriers, Shivalik and Nanda Devi, successfully crossed the Strait after intense diplomatic engagement and reached Mundra Port and Kandla Port respectively, many other Indian-flagged vessels remain stranded. Reports indicate that around 22 Indian-flagged vessels were stranded west of the Strait of Hormuz for over a week. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar clarified that India does not have a "blanket arrangement" with Iran for transit, but rather engages in case-by-case diplomatic talks that are "yielding results". Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also underscored the gravity of the situation, describing safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz as a "foremost priority" during phone conversations with the Crown Prince of Kuwait and the UAE President. India has consistently called for de-escalation through dialogue and diplomacy, urging utmost restraint and prioritizing civilian safety. Importantly, India has maintained its independent diplomatic stance and has not engaged in bilateral discussions with the US regarding deploying naval vessels to secure the Strait, despite calls from US President Donald Trump for countries to send warships to keep the waterway open. The situation remains volatile, with Iran claiming to control the waterway and having reportedly deployed naval mines. The conflict has expanded, with incidents spilling into the Indian Ocean, including the sinking of the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena by a US submarine off the Sri Lankan coast on March 4. This highlights the widening scope of the conflict and the increased security risks in the broader maritime domain, affecting international shipping and global trade routes. The international community, including the IMO, is urging coordinated action to safeguard civilian vessels and uphold the principles of freedom of navigation under international law, such as UNCLOS, despite Iran not having ratified it.

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