Modi, Trump Urge Open Strait of Hormuz
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- Modi and Trump spoke by phone on March 24 — their first call since the U.S. and Israel launched coordinated attacks against Iran on February 28 — and discussed the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open, according to posts on X by both leaders and U.S. envoy Sergio Gor.
- Modi posted on X that 'India supports de-escalation and restoration of peace at the earliest' and called keeping the Strait of Hormuz 'open, secure and accessible' essential for the whole world.
- The Strait of Hormuz serves as a conduit for 40% of India's crude oil imports, and the conflict has disrupted air travel, shipping, and gas supplies through its near-closure.
- Modi told parliament on March 23 that the crisis triggered 'unprecedented challenges' for India but insisted the economy's fundamentals remain strong with adequate petroleum, fertiliser, and coal supplies to weather trade and energy disruptions.
- A White House official confirmed the call took place but declined to comment on what was discussed, while U.S. envoy to India Sergio Gor publicly confirmed the discussion on X.
Why it matters: India depends on the Strait of Hormuz for 40% of its crude oil imports, and Modi told parliament the crisis triggered 'unprecedented challenges' — making alignment between New Delhi and Washington on keeping the chokepoint open a direct economic imperative for India, not just a diplomatic gesture. Modi's public call for de-escalation, contrasted with the White House's refusal to detail the call, signals India is leading the messaging on this front.
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