Must ensure Strait of Hormuz remains open: Modi to Trump

India backs restoration of peace in West Asia at the earliest and wants to ensure that the Strait of Hormuz remains open and secure for the global community, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said when US President Donald Trump dialled him on Tuesday to discuss the situation in the Gulf region amid growing concerns about food and fuel security.

- Rezaul H Laskar

This was the first phone conversation between the two leaders since Israel and the US's military strikes on Iran on February 28 triggered a conflict that has entered its fourth week. With the closure of the Strait of Hormuz impacting supplies of fuel and other commodities, the Indian side has reached out in recent days to Iran, Israel, all members of the Gulf Cooperation Council and the US to find ways to end the hostilities.

Modi posted on social media that he had received a call from Trump and had a “useful exchange of views on the situation in West Asia”. He said: “India supports deescalation and restoration of peace at the earliest. Ensuring that the Strait of Hormuz remains open, secure and accessible is essential for the whole world.” He added that the two sides agreed to stay in touch “regarding efforts towards peace and stability”.