With the Strait of Hormuz remaining the “breathing pulse” of global energy, India has launched a massive diplomatic offensive to safeguard its fuel security following 40 days of devastating conflict in the Middle East. As the vital shipping lane faces geopolitical hurdles, New Delhi is scrambling to ensure that its energy imports—which account for 80% of its total demand—remain uninterrupted.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is currently at the 9th Indian Ocean Conference in Mauritius, holding pivotal talks with counterparts from Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. He is scheduled to fly to the UAE next to discuss critical imports. Simultaneously, Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has headed to Qatar to assess the damage to LNG plants and secure India’s gas supply chain.

A key point of contention is the reported proposal of paying tolls to Iran for transit through the Strait of Hormuz; sources indicate that India is firmly opposed to such levies. By engaging Qatar and the UAE, India aims to build a consensus on keeping the strait free and accessible. This high-stakes diplomacy is crucial for keeping domestic petrol and gas prices under control in a post-war landscape.