Jaishankar calls Araghchi, as maritime risks persist in the Strait of Hormuz and the Black Sea
Indian sailors manning merchant vessels have died in attacks on commercial shipping, caught in the cross-hairs between the United States and Iran, and between Russia and Ukraine
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Context
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held diplomatic talks with his counterparts in Iran and Ukraine, raising deep concerns over escalating attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and the Black Sea. These maritime disruptions, stemming from ongoing regional conflicts, have resulted in casualties and missing Indian seafarers, prompting India to strongly condemn attacks on commercial shipping by any party.
UPSC Perspectives
Geographical
The Strait of Hormuz and the Black Sea are critical maritime chokepoints (narrow channels along widely used global sea routes) essential for global trade and energy security. The Strait of Hormuz connects the to the and the , serving as the conduit for a significant portion of the world's oil supply. Disruptions here directly impact global energy prices and India's energy security, as India is highly dependent on oil imports from the Middle East. The Black Sea, bordered by Ukraine and Russia among others, connects to the via the and . It is a major artery for agricultural exports, particularly wheat and sunflower oil. The ongoing has transformed the Black Sea into a theater of war, threatening global food supply chains. For UPSC, understanding the strategic importance of these geographical features and their vulnerability to regional conflicts is crucial.
Economic
Attacks on commercial shipping have severe macroeconomic implications, particularly concerning supply chain resilience and inflation. When vessels in major maritime routes are targeted, shipping companies must reroute their fleets, increasing transit times and freight costs. This leads to supply shocks, where the availability of crucial goods like energy (from the Middle East) and food (from the Black Sea region) is constrained. The increased costs are ultimately passed on to consumers, exacerbating global inflationary pressures. For India, which relies heavily on imported crude oil, instability in the directly threatens its energy security and widens the current account deficit (when the value of imports exceeds the value of exports). The intervention underscores the economic imperative of safeguarding these vital trade lanes to ensure economic stability and protect national interests in global commerce.
Governance
India's diplomatic response highlights its commitment to the freedom of navigation, a core principle of international maritime law enshrined in the (UNCLOS). The proactive engagement by the with Iran and Ukraine demonstrates a strategy of strategic autonomy, where India engages with all parties in a conflict to protect its national interests without necessarily aligning with any specific bloc. The focus on the safety of Indian seafarers also underscores the government's responsibility towards its diaspora and citizens working abroad. The situation illustrates the complexities of maintaining a neutral yet assertive stance in global conflicts, balancing diplomatic relations with economic necessities and the protection of citizens in volatile regions. UPSC often asks about India's diplomatic strategies in managing the spillover effects of international conflicts.