New Delhi, March 26
External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar travelled to France on Thursday to attend the G7 foreign ministers’ meeting, where the escalating crisis in West Asia and the continued disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz are expected to dominate discussions. India is not a member of the G7, but has been invited by France as a partner country during its presidency of the group.
Jaishankar will take part in the meeting at Abbaye des Vaux-de-Cernay on 26 and 27 March, according to an official statement. He is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with other foreign ministers on the sidelines of the summit. Foreign ministers from the United States, Canada, Germany, Italy, France, Japan and the United Kingdom are attending the gathering. France has also invited Saudi Arabia, South Korea and Brazil as partner countries.
French officials said one of the key sessions will focus on the West Asia crisis, including efforts to ease tensions and ensure the reopening of maritime routes through the Strait of Hormuz. The talks are also expected to examine diplomatic options for de-escalation and discuss concerns over Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programme.
Global oil and gas markets have been rattled after Iran effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman through which around 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supplies pass.
For India, the disruption carries significant risks. West Asia remains a major source of the country’s energy imports, and New Delhi has in recent weeks stepped up diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the conflict and ensuring uninterrupted shipping through the strait.
Indian officials believe a prolonged blockade could have serious consequences for fuel and fertiliser security, not only for India but for several other countries dependent on the route.
The G7, which comprises Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK and the US, along with the European Union, is a key forum for coordinating responses to global economic and geopolitical crises.
