Trump calls Modi amid Iran conflict, discusses keeping Strait of Hormuz open

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Amid escalating tensions in West Asia, US President Donald Trump held a telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The development was confirmed on Tuesday by US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor. India has consistently emphasized resolving conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy.

This marks the first phone call between the two leaders since the outbreak of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. During the conversation, both leaders discussed the current situation in the region, with a special focus on ensuring safe and open navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for global oil supply.

In a post on X, Sergio Gor stated that President Donald Trump spoke with Prime Minister Modi and discussed the evolving situation in the Middle East, including the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open. The conflict between the US-Israel bloc and Iran has been ongoing for around 25 days. Attacks and blockades in the Strait by Iran have disrupted global oil and gas supply.

India imports over 60% of its crude oil and gas from this region, making the situation directly significant for its energy security.

Prime Minister Modi, while addressing Parliament in the Lok Sabha on Monday and the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, described the situation as “concerning” and said India is in continuous contact with all parties, including Iran, Israel, the United States, and Gulf countries. He stressed the need for de-escalation and dialogue.

Earlier, President Trump had claimed that meaningful talks were ongoing between the US and Iran, and that interactions between their representatives had been positive and productive. He also said he had instructed officials to avoid attacking Iran’s energy facilities for the next five days. However, Iran’s Foreign Ministry denied any such talks with Washington. Notably, Trump had earlier issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.