"India - the only country to have lost mariners in attacks on merchant shipping in Gulf," -- Foreign Secy Misri at UK-hosted meet of 60 countries

Foreign Secretary’s participation in the meeting hosted by UK on the situation in West Asia (April 02, 2026)

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri represented India at a meeting convened by the UK Foreign Secretary on the situation in West Asia. 

More than 60 countries participated in the meeting.

In his remarks at the meeting, the Foreign Secretary noted the importance of the principles of freedom of navigation and unimpeded transit through international waterways. 

He emphasised the impact of the crisis on India’s energy security and the fact that India remains the only country to have lost mariners in attacks on merchant shipping in the Gulf. 

He also underlined that the way out of the crisis consisted of de-escalation and a return to the path of diplomacy and dialogue among all concerned parties. 

Of course, India is simultaneously engaging regional players, including Iran, to keep shipping lanes open. 

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri represented India at the virtual gathering, which was attended by more than 60 countries. The foreign secretary reiterated India's official stance about diplomacy being the most viable path for resolution of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The UK-led meeting came as countries stepped up coordination to ensure stability in one of the world’s most vital energy corridors.  

"We are in touch with Iran and other countries there to see how best we can get unimpeded transit and safe transit for our ships," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal has said ahead of the summit. 

**

The French president, Emmanuel Macron, has hit out at Donald Trump, saying he was undermining Nato by creating “daily doubt about his commitment” to the alliance.

The US president, in interviews to various media yesterday, made disparaging comments about Nato, calling it a “paper tiger” and threatening to pull the US out of it. 

Macron warned that Trump’s comments questioning the US commitment to the alliance “erode its very substance” as he urged leaders to “be serious”.

“I believe that organisations and alliances like Nato are defined by what is left unsaid – that is, the trust that underpins them, and that has often been the case, incidentally, with military and strategic matters,” he said durinng a state visit to Seoul in South Korea.  “If you cast doubt on your commitment every day, you erode its very substance.”