The entire world’s energy supply line is in danger amid the war raging in West Asia. Due to missile and drone attacks, the Strait of Hormuz has almost become a ‘no-go zone’ for foreign ships of western countries. But amidst this global outcry, India has achieved a major diplomatic success. The eyes of the whole world are on this. Certainly, this success of India will help in removing the possible threat of energy crisis in the country. This is also important for the country because Foreign Minister Dr. S. A call from Jaishankar has done what the war fleets of western countries could not do. Iran has given special permission only to Indian flagged oil tankers to pass safely through this dangerous waterway. Let us understand the meaning of this big diplomatic victory of India through simple questions and answers:
Question: What happened suddenly in Hormuz and how did India get this diplomatic success?
Answer: Due to the ongoing fierce war between Iran and Israel, tension in the Strait of Hormuz is at its peak. There are continuous missile and drone attacks on foreign ships, due to which the global energy supply has been affected. Meanwhile, Indian Foreign Minister Dr. S. A high-level diplomatic talks took place between Jaishankar and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The direct and immediate effect of this conversation was that Iran allowed ‘Indian flagged’ tankers to pass safely through this area.
Question: What was the ground effect of this diplomatic agreement?
Answer: As soon as the diplomatic consensus was reached, its results started becoming visible in the sea. Soon after the agreement, two Indian oil tankers, ‘Pushpak’ and ‘Parmal’, were seen passing safely through the sensitive strait. This comes at a time when ships from the US, Europe and Israel still face serious threats of sanctions and attacks.
Question: What is Iran’s strategy and why is it stopping the ships of other countries?
Answer: Iran is using the Strait of Hormuz as a strategic weapon. Iran has openly warned that it will not allow ‘even a liter of oil for America and its allies to pass through here’. Its main objective is to shake the world’s energy system and put pressure on western countries by controlling this important chokepoint.
Question: What does this success mean for India’s economy and energy security?
Answer: The Strait of Hormuz is the world’s lifeline for crude oil supply. Oil prices are skyrocketing due to fears of supply disruptions due to war. At a time when tankers around the world are under attack, only safe passage for Indian ships will keep the country’s energy supply chain strong. Due to this, the risk of oil shortage and inflation in India has reduced to a great extent. This incident proves how effective India’s independent diplomacy is even during the peak of the war. While on one hand the situation in West Asia is continuously worsening, on the other hand India has secured its economic interests and energy supply through dialogue only, without any confrontation.