India Calls for Hormuz Reopening at UK Summit

During a global gathering involving over 60 nations, India emphasized its unique position as the only country to have lost sailors in attacks targeting Gulf merchant ships, advocating for reduced tensions. The Foreign Ministry statement noted that the nation’s representative, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, urged “freedom of navigation and unimpeded transit through international waterways” as a priority during the summit chaired by the United Kingdom.

Domestic Aviation Fuel Price Caps

The Indian government announced a 25% monthly limit on aviation turbine fuel price hikes for domestic flights, according to a statement released on Thursday. This measure comes after the previous day’s intervention to mitigate the effects of soaring jet fuel prices on airline operations and ticket costs. Indian public sector oil companies had increased fuel prices by more than double, pushing domestic rates to Rs 207,341.22 ($2,212 or €1,911) per kiloliter. International jet fuel prices, meanwhile, have surged by 107%, as reported by Indian media.

Regional Tensions and Energy Security

Misri highlighted during the summit that “India remains the only country to have suffered losses of mariners in attacks on merchant shipping in the Gulf,” as per the Foreign Ministry’s official remarks. He underscored the necessity for de-escalation and diplomatic resolution, stressing the impact of the ongoing crisis on the nation’s energy security. The UK organized the meeting to address the reopening and security of the critical Strait of Hormuz, but no binding consensus emerged, officials stated.

Meanwhile, concerns over rising oil prices and the uncertain role of the United States in maintaining maritime security have intensified. US President Donald Trump reaffirmed his commitment to continued attacks on Iran but refrained from detailing a strategy to restore safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Instead, he attributed responsibility to nations that depend on oil transported via the waterway.

Local Developments in India

Within the country, political shifts are unfolding as the Aam Aadmi Party faces internal divisions, with Member of Parliament Raghav Chadha removed from the upper house leadership. In Hyderabad, authorities seized hundreds of cooking gas cylinders stored in a graveyard, citing shortages linked to the Iran conflict. Additionally, the proposed 60% free-seat rule for flights has been temporarily delayed, as the government reviews its implementation.

To view the latest video updates, ensure JavaScript is enabled and upgrade to a web browser supporting HTML5 video. Hi! This is Shakeel from DW’s New Delhi Studio, delivering recent insights from across India. The Iran conflict persists in disrupting global oil markets, prompting India and allied nations to seek alternatives to secure the Strait of Hormuz without US involvement.