"India stands ready to support efforts to reduce tensions": Doval calls for uninterrupted flow of trade through Hormuz, Red Sea
Moscow, May 29
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval called for special attention to the situation in West Asia, emphasising the need to ensure the safe and uninterrupted flow of trade through international waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea.
Addressing the 1st International Security Forum and the XIV International Meeting of High-Ranking Officials Responsible for Security Matters in Moscow, Doval expressed concern over the disruption in the oil and gas supply, affecting the global economy.
He said that India supports all efforts to reduce the tensions in West Asia and restore stability in the region.
"The conflict in West Asia needs a very special mention. The ongoing tensions in the region continue to raise very serious concerns. Risk to maritime traffic and disruptions to energy infrastructures show how fragile the contemporary situation is," he said.
"Safe and uninterrupted movement of international trade through international waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, is essential for the global economy. India stands ready to contribute constructively to support all efforts to reduce tensions and help restore stability," he added.
The Strait of Hormuz has become vital since the US and Israel launched an attack against Iran. Tehran, along with military retaliation, choked the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting the global supply of oil and gas to strong-arm the US into a ceasefire.
The geopolitical standoff centres on the control of the Strait of Hormuz, which continues as Iran has reportedly sought to impose a tolling system on commercial ships passing through the waterway, a move that regional observers suggest is being coordinated in tandem with Omani interests.
The United States has moved swiftly to shut down these efforts. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent issued a stern warning, stating that the U.S. "will not tolerate any effort to impose a tolling system in the Strait of Hormuz."
Additionally, NSA Doval called for urgent reforms in the United Nations, which have failed to address the international security challenges faced in recent times.
"The United Nations is facing a very serious crisis. The structured institutions of 1945 are increasingly proving to be incapable of addressing the security challenges that the world is facing; therefore, there is an urgent need for reform in the United Nations to make it more representative," he said.
Last Week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also called for reforms of global institutions for resolving the growing global challenges.
Addressing a joint press meeting with the Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides, PM Modi said, "Today we discussed global issues, be it Ukraine or West Asia, we will continue to support efforts for an early resolution to ongoing conflicts and for peace. We are also unanimous on the view that reform of global institutions is urgent and important for resolving the growing global challenges."
The 1st International Security Forum, along with the XIV International Meeting of High-Ranking Officials Responsible for Security Matters, is taking place from May 26 to 29 in Moscow.
According to an official release, over 140 delegations from foreign states and international organisations participated in the forum.
The event brought together Secretaries of Security Councils, National Security Advisors to heads of state, directors of law enforcement agencies and special services, as well as secretaries of international organisations.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good to see India taking a proactive role. But I'm skeptical—tensions in West Asia have been brewing for decades, and no amount of "support" from India alone will resolve it. The US and Iran are playing chess, and we're just a pawn in the middle. Needs more than just words; we need concrete action like alternative trade routes.
Doval's emphasis on UN reforms is long overdue. The UN Security Council is a joke—5 countries hold veto power while the rest of us suffer. India deserves a permanent seat, and this crisis proves why. If the UN can't handle West Asia, what's the point? 💪🇮🇳
From an outsider's perspective, India's balancing act is impressive. West Asia is a powder keg, and Doval's call for trade flow is pragmatic. But I worry about the humanitarian cost—the people in Gaza and Yemen are being forgotten while everyone argues over oil routes. Let's hope India's diplomacy includes human rights.
The tolling system by Iran is ridiculous—they're literally trying to hold the world hostage. India was smart to call for stability without taking sides. We need to maintain good relations with both Iran and the US. But honestly, why is our government spending billions on space missions when fuel prices are already sky-high? Priorities, please! 😤
This is a classic case of global powers fighting over resources while common people suffer. India should focus on self-reliance—invest in solar, wind, and nuclear energy. Why are we still dependent on oil from a conflict
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.