What Happened
- External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a detailed phone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, marking the third such call since the US and Israel launched joint military strikes on Iran on 28 February 2026.
- The call focused on the latest developments in the West Asia conflict, India's concerns about regional energy supply disruptions, and the safety of Indian nationals in Iran and the broader Gulf region.
- Jaishankar conveyed India's deep concern over the escalating situation and reiterated India's position favouring dialogue, diplomacy, and de-escalation.
- Concerns about the Strait of Hormuz — a critical chokepoint for India's crude oil imports — were flagged, given the potential for naval blockades or missile strikes to restrict tanker movement.
- India emphasised that the interests of Indian energy consumers remain the overriding priority, and that Indian diplomacy is actively supporting the efforts of domestic energy enterprises to navigate the volatile situation.
Static Topic Bridges
India-Iran Bilateral Relations
India and Iran share a historically deep civilisational relationship rooted in cultural, linguistic, and trade ties. In the modern context, the bilateral relationship is anchored in three pillars: energy trade, the Chabahar Port connectivity project, and Iran's role as a transit corridor to Afghanistan and Central Asia. India was among the largest importers of Iranian crude oil until 2019, when it halted purchases following the re-imposition of US sanctions after Washington's withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018. In May 2024, India signed a 10-year contract with Iran for the development of the Shahid Beheshti terminal at Chabahar Port, committing investments of $370 million through India Ports Global Ltd (IPGL).
- Iran's peak share in India's crude oil imports: ~11% (2016, during JCPOA period).
- India halted Iranian crude imports: 2019 (US sanctions re-imposed).
- Chabahar Port: Located in Iran's Sistan-Baluchestan province; provides India a sea-land route to Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan.
- 10-year Chabahar contract signed: May 2024; investment commitment: $370 million.
- India Ports Global Ltd (IPGL): Nodal agency for Chabahar development, under Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
- India-Iran bilateral trade as of October 2025: approximately $1.68 billion (reduced from pre-sanctions levels).
Connection to this news: The Jaishankar-Araghchi call reflects India's effort to maintain diplomatic channels with Iran despite the military strikes, protecting both energy access and the Chabahar investment at a moment of maximum uncertainty.
Strait of Hormuz and India's Energy Vulnerability
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway between the Sultanate of Oman and Iran, connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. It is the world's most strategically important oil chokepoint — approximately 20% of global oil trade and 30% of global LNG trade passes through it. For India, the Strait is critical: imports from Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE, and Qatar (all routed through Hormuz) accounted for approximately 46% of India's total crude imports as of 2024. India imports approximately 88-90% of its crude oil requirement, making any disruption at Hormuz a direct macroeconomic risk.
- Strait of Hormuz width at narrowest: approximately 33 km.
- Share of global crude oil passing through Hormuz: ~20%.
- India's dependence on Hormuz-routed crude: ~45-50% of total crude imports.
- India's overall crude import dependence: ~88-90% of domestic requirement.
- Gulf countries hosting Indian diaspora: approximately 1 crore (10 million) Indians live and work in Gulf countries.
- Gulf-India trade: approximately $200 billion annually.
- Iran controls the northern shore of the Strait; Oman controls the southern shore.
Connection to this news: With US-Israel strikes on Iran active since 28 February 2026, the risk of Iran restricting or mining Strait of Hormuz passage has become a live concern — making Jaishankar's direct line to Tehran a key tool for real-time diplomatic risk management.
India's Non-Alignment Doctrine and West Asia Policy
India's engagement with West Asia is guided by its "Strategic Autonomy" doctrine — maintaining independent relationships with all major players regardless of their mutual rivalries. India has historically refrained from taking sides in the Arab-Israeli-Iranian conflict, the Gulf Arab-Iran rivalry, and the US-Iran standoff. This posture allows India to simultaneously import oil from Gulf Arab states, maintain the Chabahar partnership with Iran, and engage diplomatically with both sides during crises. The current situation tests this framework, as India must navigate US pressure (which imposes sanctions on Iran), Israeli strategic interests (with whom India has deep defence ties), and its own energy security imperatives.
- India-Israel defence ties: India is among Israel's largest defence customers; bilateral trade ~$7-8 billion.
- India-US: Major Defence Partner (2016); CAATSA Section 231 could theoretically apply if India resumes Iranian crude imports.
- India's stated position on West Asia conflicts: Dialogue, diplomacy, de-escalation, and restraint; no military alignment.
- India has voted for UN resolutions calling for ceasefire in Gaza (2023-24 votes) while abstaining on others.
- India's position in current crisis: Supports UN Secretary-General's call for ceasefire; advocates protection of civilians.
Connection to this news: Jaishankar's call is a textbook application of India's strategic autonomy — engaging directly with Iran to protect energy interests and Indian nationals, while publicly advocating de-escalation rather than endorsing any party's military campaign.
Key Facts & Data
- Third Jaishankar-Araghchi call since US-Israel strikes began: 28 February 2026
- Indians in Gulf countries: approximately 1 crore (10 million)
- India-Gulf annual trade: ~$200 billion
- India's crude import dependence: ~88-90% of requirement
- Hormuz-routed crude as share of India's total crude imports: ~45-50%
- Iran's Chabahar 10-year contract: signed May 2024; $370 million investment commitment
- India's peak Iranian crude import share: ~11% (2016)
- India halted Iranian crude imports: 2019
- India-Iran bilateral trade (Oct 2025): ~$1.68 billion