Iran and the current tensions in the Strait of Hormuz will be on agenda as US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo visits India next week, people in the know have confirmed.
While the US has appreciated the steps India has taken to reduce Iranian oil imports, it is also providing an exception to New Delhi-backed Chabahar project that has been a key connectivity project of India.
Import of oil from Iran has been one of the key contentious issues between New Delhi and Washington after American waivers ended on sanctions imposed by Washington. But the current standoff between Iran and the US is something that has been a cause of worry for New Delhi.
On Friday, reports emerged that US President Donald Trump planned to strike Iran after it shot down an American drone. This has caused considerable tension in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital area connecting the Persian Gulf and the sea of Oman through which, 20% of the global crude oil and a third of liquefied natural gas passes.
Aviation
Impacts are also being seen at the aviation front with Indian airlines re-routing flights in the area. Civil aviation regulator DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) on Saturday announced that Indian carriers will avoid "the affected part of the Iranian Airspace" to ensure safe travel for passengers.
This comes after American civil aviation regulator Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) banned American flights from using the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and sea of Oman area.
Energy Interests
Meanwhile, New Delhi is keeping its interest secure. Oil minister Dharmendra Pradhan has called Saudi oil minister Khalid Al Falih and has expressed his concerns on the rising crude oil prices in the backdrop of developments in the Strait of Hormuz. Pradhan, in a tweet, said that he "reiterated the sensitivity of Indian consumers to the prevailing crude oil price volatility". New Delhi has sought an active role from Riyadh, who is a part of the oil cartel OPEC in keeping "oil prices at a reasonable level", he added.
Shipping
Last week, the Indian Navy launched operation Sankalp in the Persian Gulf/sea of Oman as a measure to re-assure Indian-flagged vessels transiting through the region.
The Navy deployed INS Chennai & INS Sunayna in the area to undertake Maritime Security operations. Aerial surveillance is also being undertaken by India and the Information Fusion Centre - Indian Ocean Region, launched last year, is also keeping a close watch on the movement of ships in the Gulf.
The Navy, in a release, said it, "remains committed to ensuring the safety of Indian maritime trade and merchant vessels operating in the region and contributing towards maintaining a stable and peaceful Indian Ocean Region."
The Directorate General of Shipping had issued two advisories, one on June 13 and another on 16, to all Indian-flagged vessels, advising them to undertake appropriate protection measures.
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