New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed that 20 Indian-flagged ships are currently stranded in the Persian Gulf, while four have safely returned home via the Strait of Hormuz. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “We had 24 ships, of which four have returned. Efforts are underway to bring back the remaining 20 vessels. We are in talks with neighboring countries for safe passage.”
Among the returning ships, Shivalik and Nanda Devi crossed the Strait on March 14, transporting 92,700 metric tonnes of LPG.
India has been vocal about the ongoing conflict in West Asia at international forums. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, attending the G7 Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Paris, has raised these concerns. He engaged with counterparts from various countries like France, Germany, and Japan.
Jaishankar emphasized the plight of Global South countries concerning food, fuel, and fertilizer security due to the conflict’s wider effects. He also stressed the significance of resilient trade corridors and highlighted initiatives like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
In the context of fertilizer imports from China, Jaiswal mentioned that India procures from multiple sources but did not provide specific updates on current imports.
A survey by the World Bank in 2022 revealed that disruptions in supply chains can have drastic economic impacts, pushing up costs and affecting global food security. With ongoing conflicts, these issues resonate even more deeply today.
Overall, India’s efforts to ensure safe navigation and address global supply chain challenges illustrate the intricate ties between geopolitical stability and economic resilience.
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WEST ASIA CONFLICT, INDIAN SHIPS STRANDED, STRAIT OF HORMUZ, MINISTRY OF EXTERNAM AFFAIRS, IRAN AND ISRAEL US WAR, 20 INDIAN SHIPS ARE STRANDED AMID IRAN & ISRAEL-US WAR
