Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned attacks on United Arab Emirates facilities and called for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz on Friday [1, 2].
This diplomatic intervention occurs as the conflict between Iran and the U.S. escalates, threatening critical maritime corridors and global energy supplies. India's position reflects a need to protect regional stability and ensure the security of its strategic interests in the Middle East [3].
During his visit to Abu Dhabi, Modi addressed the recent targeting of UAE infrastructure. "We strongly condemn the attacks launched on the UAE," Modi said. "The manner in which UAE has been targeted is not acceptable in any form" [1].
Beyond the immediate attacks, the Prime Minister emphasized the necessity of maintaining open shipping lanes. "We must urgently restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz," Modi said [2]. He said that opening the strait is essential for global energy security and regional stability [3].
The visit to the UAE is part of a larger diplomatic mission. The Prime Minister is currently on a six-day tour [3]. While some reports describe it as a five-nation diplomatic tour [1], others specify a four-nation leg focused on Europe [3].
In addition to his diplomatic statements on security, Modi signed pacts related to petroleum, and defense during the visit [4]. The stopover in the UAE precedes a scheduled trip to Europe, where the Prime Minister will visit four nations [3].
“"We must urgently restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz."”
India's call for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz highlights the vulnerability of global energy markets to the Iran-US conflict. By aligning with the UAE on security and signing defense and petroleum pacts, India is attempting to hedge its energy security and maintain a balancing act between Western allies and Middle Eastern partners during a period of high geopolitical volatility.
