New Delhi: Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri represented India on Thursday at a UK-hosted virtual summit of nearly 30 nations focused on ensuring safe shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
The meeting was held amid Iran's partial blockade of the strategic waterway, which has severely disrupted global oil and gas supplies.
Misri articulated India's stance on the safety of international shipping lanes in the region.
Jaiswal said the UK invited several countries, including India, for talks on the Strait of Hormuz and Misri attended it, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at his weekly media briefing.
West Asia conflict | 'Disruptions in Strait of Hormuz have caused energy instability in region': Admiral D K TripathiNew Delhi is closely following all developments relating to the West Asia conflict, he said.
"As far as India is concerned, you very well know that we stand for free and open commercial shipping, and for maritime security in keeping with international law. We continue to call for ensuring safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz as a matter of priority," he said.
"We are in touch with Iran and other countries to see how best we can get unimpeded and safe transit for our ships which are carrying products including LPG and LNG," he said.
"Through these conversations over the last few days, six Indian-flagged vessels have been able to safely cross the Strait of Hormuz. We continue to be in touch with relevant parties on this matter," Jaiswal said.
In the last couple of weeks, India has made diplomatic efforts focusing on ending the conflict in West Asia as soon as possible and ensuring the unimpeded flow of energy through the Strait of Hormuz.