Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, stressing the need to keep maritime routes open as tensions escalate around the Strait of Hormuz.
In a post on X, Modi said he reiterated the importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation and ensuring secure shipping lanes, while also condemning attacks on critical infrastructure in the region. He expressed hope that the festive season would bring peace and stability to West Asia.
The conversation comes amid heightened tensions following strikes on Iran’s South Pars gas field and retaliatory attacks, including on Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG complex, raising concerns over global energy supply chains.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a vital route, carrying nearly 20 percent of global oil and gas exports. For India, the stakes are higher, with around 40 percent of its oil imports and more than half of its liquefied natural gas supplies passing through the corridor.
The government said India currently has sufficient stocks of petrol and diesel, and has increased domestic LPG production to cushion potential disruptions. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas also announced expanded allocation of commercial LPG, raising total supply availability to 50 percent for key sectors such as restaurants, hotels, industrial canteens, and community kitchens.
Additionally, 5 kg free trade LPG cylinders will be made available for migrant workers as part of the measures.
Modi also appreciated Iran’s support in ensuring the safety of Indian nationals in the country. In an earlier conversation on March 12, he had emphasised the need for uninterrupted movement of energy supplies and called for dialogue and diplomacy to address the crisis.