India flags human cost at Hormuz talks, says it alone lost mariners in crisis

India recently delivered a stark reminder at a UK-convened multilateral meeting on reopening the Strait of Hormuz: it remains the only country to have lost its citizens in the ongoing maritime crisis in the region. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said New Delhi also stressed the principle of freedom of navigation through one of the world’s most critical energy corridors.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri represented India at the virtual gathering attended by over 60 countries. Reiterating New Delhi’s consistent position, he emphasized that diplomacy and dialogue remain the most viable path to resolving tensions in the Middle East.

“He underlined that the way out of the crisis consisted of de-escalation and a return to diplomacy and dialogue among all concerned parties,” the MEA said in a statement.

Misri also highlighted the direct consequences of the crisis on India, particularly its energy security, noting that India is the only nation to have lost mariners in attacks on merchant vessels in the Gulf. According to the Directorate General of Shipping, at least three Indian sailors—serving on foreign-flagged ships—have been killed in incidents in the Strait of Hormuz so far.

India steps up regional engagement

The UK-led meeting comes amid intensified global coordination to stabilize the vital shipping route. India has simultaneously ramped up its diplomatic outreach in the region, engaging key players including Iran to ensure safe and uninterrupted passage for its vessels.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said ongoing talks have already shown results, with six Indian ships successfully navigating the Strait in recent days.

“We are in touch with Iran and other countries there to ensure unimpeded and safe transit for our ships,” he said ahead of the meeting, adding that engagement with regional stakeholders remains continuous.

Iran, amid the ongoing conflict, has reportedly been selective in restricting passage through the Strait, with Indian cargo vessels—particularly those carrying fuel—among the few allowed transit. The MEA also dismissed speculation about any toll-like arrangements for Indian ships passing through the waterway.

US skips meet amid tensions with allies

Notably, the United States did not participate in the UK-convened meeting. The absence follows remarks by US President Donald Trump, who suggested that securing the Strait of Hormuz was not Washington’s responsibility.

Trump has also criticized European allies over their stance on the conflict and renewed threats of withdrawing the US from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said the meeting aimed to demonstrate “the strength of our international determination” to restore normalcy in the Strait.

“We have seen Iran hijack an international shipping route to hold the global economy hostage,” she said at the start of the talks, according to the Associated Press.

As tensions persist, India’s intervention at the forum underscored both the human and strategic stakes in the unfolding crisis, while reiterating its call for restraint and diplomacy.