Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the importance of keeping sea routes open and safe in a phone call with Iran’s President Ahmad Masoud Pezeshkian.
Modi also condemned attacks on critical infrastructure in the region, which threaten regional stability and disrupt global supply chains. The Indian prime minister said he “reiterated the importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation and ensuring that sea routes remain open and safe,” according to a statement from X.
India depends on the Middle East for almost half of its crude oil, two-thirds of its liquefied natural gas and almost all of its liquefied petroleum gas imports, making it one of the countries most exposed to the crisis in the region. Earlier this month, Modi said he spoke with Pezeshkian as India sought ways to ensure the safe passage of oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz.
Rising oil prices and acute gas shortages are weighing on India’s economy as the war with Iran drags on, disrupting industries and prompting analysts to cut growth forecasts while warning of rising inflation. The disruption has triggered a cooking gas crisis affecting homes, hotels and restaurants, while industries that rely on LPG are shutting down operations.
Bloomberg
