Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged that the Strait of Hormuz remain open and safe during a visit to the United Arab Emirates on Friday [1].
The call comes as India seeks to protect its energy supplies and shipping routes amid escalating conflict between the U.S. and Iran in West Asia [1, 2].
Modi said in Abu Dhabi before departing for the Netherlands and other European nations [3]. The prime minister emphasized that maintaining the flow of trade through the narrow waterway is a critical necessity for global economic stability.
"Ensuring the safety of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz is a top priority," Modi said [2].
He said, "We must keep the Strait of Hormuz open and safe" [1].
The diplomatic push occurs as India manages the impact of regional tensions on petrol and liquefied petroleum gas prices [2, 3]. The visit to the UAE served as a strategic stopover before the prime minister proceeded to Europe for a series of diplomatic engagements.
Reports vary on the exact scale of the trip. Some sources describe the itinerary as a five-nation tour [1], while others define it as a four-nation European tour taking place from May 15 to May 20, 2026 [3].
Modi's itinerary includes visits to Nordic nations to discuss the broader geopolitical agenda involving the U.S. and West Asia [3]. The prime minister's focus on the Strait of Hormuz highlights India's vulnerability to disruptions in the Persian Gulf, which serves as a primary artery for the country's oil imports.
“"Ensuring the safety of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz is a top priority."”
India's explicit focus on the Strait of Hormuz underscores its strategic dependence on Middle Eastern energy. By addressing this issue in Abu Dhabi before heading to Europe, Modi is signaling to both regional powers and Western allies that any disruption to maritime trade in West Asia would have immediate and severe economic consequences for New Delhi.
