The situation in West Asia is very bad now. The Strait of Hormuz, which is an important place for trade has become a big problem. Iran, Israel and the United States are. This is affecting the whole worlds energy markets. Indias External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, recently talked about what India’s doing. He said that India is not going to make a deal that covers all ships. Instead India is going to handle each ship
The Reality of Handling Each Ship
For India, which needs to import a lot of energy the Strait of Hormuz is a big problem. If the Strait is closed it will be very bad for Indias economy. A lot of oil and gas pass through the Strait and India needs these to survive. When Iran started controlling the Strait tightly many Indian ships got stuck.
Talking Directly to Solve the Problem
S. Jaishankar recently talked to the Financial Times. He shared a success story. Two Indian ships, the Shivalik and the Nanda Devi were able to pass through the Strait. They were carrying a lot of gas to India. This did not happen by accident. It happened because Indias minister talked to Irans minister, Abbas Araghchi, times. They talked about how to make things work without fighting.. The minister also said that each ship is different and they need to talk about each one separately.
Why a Simple Solution is Not Possible
A simple solution would mean that all Indian ships can pass through the Strait without any problems.. Indias minister does not want to promise this. The situation in the Middle East is very complicated. It is not possible to make promises. Irans military leaders control the Strait. They make decisions based on what is happening at the time.
By handling each ship India can be more flexible. India can use its relationship with Iran to help without taking sides. India also does not want to make it seem like they are giving something to Iran in return for something
The Global Situation: Talking vs. Fighting
Indias approach is very different from what the United Statess doing. The US wants to send warships to the area to force the Strait open.. India does not want to join this. India thinks that sending warships could make things worse. Read More
The Indian Way
India is doing things its way. Indias minister thinks that talking to Iran is better than fighting. Each country has its own relationship with Iran and India is using its relationship to help. India is betting that its old ties with Iran will help keep the energy supplies coming.
The Impact on India
The situation is very serious for India. If the Strait is blocked it will be very bad for Indias economy. The price of oil is already very high. If it gets higher it will be very hard for India. The disruption of gas supplies is already causing problems in India. People are waiting in lines to get gas and there are concerns about fuel security.
What India is Doing
The government is focusing on getting the ships back safely. There are still Indian ships waiting to pass through the Strait. The success of the Shivalik and Nanda Devi shows that talking can work.. It is not a permanent solution. Indias minister knows that things are still uncertain. India is going to keep talking to Iran to try to find a way to keep the energy supplies coming.
What Happens Next
Indias minister is going to meet with European Union ministers. He is willing to share Indias experience with them. Indias approach, which is focused on talking and avoiding fighting might be an example for other countries to follow. For now India is going to keep doing what it is doing. That is talking to Iran and trying to find a way to keep the energy supplies coming. Sometimes talking can be more powerful, than fighting.
