India on Tuesday said its energy sourcing policy and regional connectivity strategy would continue to be guided by “national interest” amid escalating tensions around the Strait of Hormuz and the broader Gulf region.
Addressing the weekly media briefing in New Delhi, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India’s approach to energy procurement remains broad-based and focused on meeting the needs of 1.4 billion people while factoring in global market conditions and geopolitical developments.
“Our national interest remains the underlying factor for sourcing our energy needs,” Jaiswal said while responding to questions regarding India’s oil imports and regional energy security amid continuing tensions involving Iran and the United States.
The MEA spokesperson also confirmed that 11 Indian aircraft operating in and around the Strait of Hormuz had returned safely, while 13 aircraft were still stationed in the region due to operational and security-related concerns. The government, he said, is closely coordinating with regional authorities and aviation agencies to ensure the safe movement of aircraft and crew members.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical energy and shipping corridors, handling a significant portion of global crude oil exports. The region has witnessed heightened military and maritime tensions after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps recently announced an expansion of its strategic operational zone across Gulf waters.
Jaiswal further stated that India continues to supply energy products to neighbouring countries despite the uncertain global situation. He said India has been supplying diesel to Bangladesh through the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline and has fulfilled additional fuel requests from Dhaka. India is also continuing energy cooperation with Bhutan, Nepal and Sri Lanka under existing bilateral arrangements.
He added that discussions are underway regarding certain energy arrangements with Mauritius. Jaiswal also confirmed that India has received a request from Nepal for fertiliser supplies, which is currently being processed within the existing cooperation framework between the two countries.
On the strategically important Chabahar Port project, the MEA spokesperson said the issue remains under discussion with both Iran and the United States. He acknowledged that the ongoing regional conflict has become a “complicating factor” for the port project, which India views as a key connectivity route to Afghanistan and Central Asia.
Responding to another question on the Chagos Islands dispute, Jaiswal reiterated India’s support for Mauritius’ sovereignty over the islands, saying New Delhi’s position on the matter remains unchanged.
The remarks come amid growing global concern over disruptions to shipping, aviation and energy supplies linked to instability in the Gulf region.