Editorial

The Centre’s decision to convene an all-party meeting on 25 March 2026 to discuss the escalating West Asia conflict is both timely and necessary. As the war between the US-Israel alliance and Iran enters its fourth week, the Strait of Hormuz — the narrow chokepoint through which nearly 20-25% of global oil and a substantial share of India’s energy imports flow — has become a theatre of disruption. India, the world’s third-largest oil importer, cannot afford to treat this as a distant geopolitical event. The meeting must move beyond routine briefings and produce a clear, collective roadmap to safeguard national interests.

Nearly half of India’s crude oil imports, along with significant volumes of LNG, LPG and fertiliser precursors, traditionally transit the Strait. With shipping movements severely restricted and insurance costs soaring, the immediate consequences are already visible: rising pump prices, panic buying of cooking gas, and early signs of supply strain in fertiliser-dependent agriculture. PM Narendra Modi has rightly described the situation as “worrisome” and drawn parallels with the COVID-19 response, urging preparedness, coastal and cyber vigilance, and action against hoarding and fake news. The government has initiated high-level reviews of petroleum, power and fertiliser sectors, diversified sourcing, and stepped up naval escorts for Indian-flagged vessels. These steps are prudent, yet they remain reactive. The all-party meeting offers an opportunity to convert political differences into shared resolve. Energy security is not a partisan issue; prolonged disruption could fuel inflation, widen the current account deficit, strain forex reserves and even threaten food security through higher fertiliser costs.

Opposition parties have every right to seek clarity on diplomatic outreach, the safety of the large Indian diaspora in the Gulf, and contingency plans for worst-case scenarios. However, grandstanding or demands for instant condemnation of one side or the other will serve little purpose. India’s foreign policy has consistently prioritised strategic autonomy, strong ties with Gulf partners, pragmatic engagement with all stakeholders, and de-escalation.

New Delhi has maintained communication channels with the US, Israel, Iran and Gulf capitals. PM Modi’s telephonic conversation with President Trump specifically highlighted the imperative of keeping the Strait open. These quiet diplomatic efforts must continue. At the same time, the meeting should focus on concrete domestic measures: accelerating strategic petroleum reserves utilisation, fast-tracking alternative import contracts from Russia, the US and Latin America, boosting domestic exploration and renewable capacity, and preparing fiscal buffers to cushion subsidy burdens.

History shows that external shocks test national maturity. During the 1973 oil crisis and the Gulf War, India weathered turbulence through broad political consensus and pragmatic policy adjustments. The same spirit is required today. The all-party meeting must rise above electoral calculations and signal to the world — and to Indian citizens — that when core economic and security interests are at stake, India speaks with one voice.

The conflict in West Asia may persist. Supply chains will remain fragile. Yet India’s response can demonstrate resilience, foresight and unity. If the meeting on 25 March produces a joint commitment to energy diversification, economic vigilance and diplomatic balance, it will have served its purpose well. In times of global turbulence, internal cohesion remains our strongest shield. (398 words)

The recent deployment of Indian naval escorts for merchant vessels such as Pine Gas and Jag Vasant through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz marks a significant assertion of India’s commitment to safeguarding its maritime interests. At a time when geopolitical tensions in the Gulf region remain volatile—particularly involving Iran and its uneasy equations with Western powers—the security of global shipping routes has become a pressing concern.

The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow chokepoint connecting the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea, carries nearly a fifth of the world’s oil supply. For a country like India, heavily dependent on energy imports, any disruption in this corridor can have immediate economic repercussions—ranging from rising fuel prices to inflationary pressures. The decision to deploy naval escorts is therefore not merely a tactical maneuver but a strategic necessity.

India’s approach reflects a calibrated doctrine of “security without provocation.” By escorting its commercial fleet, India signals its readiness to protect national interests while avoiding direct entanglement in regional conflicts. This is particularly important given the fragile dynamics between Iran and countries like the United States, where even minor incidents can escalate rapidly. India’s neutral stance allows it to maintain diplomatic balance while ensuring operational readiness.

Historically, the Indian Navy has demonstrated its capability in similar missions, whether during anti-piracy operations off the coast of Somalia or evacuation missions in crisis-hit regions. The current escorts reinforce its image as a credible security provider in the Indian Ocean Region. More importantly, they reassure Indian shipping companies and global partners that India is prepared to shoulder responsibility for the safety of maritime commerce.

However, this development also underscores a broader reality: the increasing militarisation of vital sea lanes. While naval escorts provide immediate security, they are not a long-term substitute for diplomatic stability. India must continue to engage with regional stakeholders, advocating for de-escalation and freedom of navigation under international law.

The escort missions also bring into focus the need for stronger maritime infrastructure and intelligence coordination. Investment in surveillance systems, naval assets, and international cooperation will be crucial as threats evolve from conventional state actors to asymmetric challenges such as drone attacks and maritime sabotage.

In essence, India’s naval escort initiative is both a protective shield and a strategic signal. It conveys that while India remains committed to peace and neutrality, it will not hesitate to act decisively when its economic lifelines are at risk. In turbulent waters, vigilance is not just an option—it is an imperative.

• SAS Kirmani