India says Middle East conflict threatens its 10 million citizens and economy, with major oil and gas supply chains at risk through the Strait of Hormuz.

NEW DELHI: India has warned that the ongoing war in the Middle East poses a serious threat to its economy and the safety of its vast diaspora in the region.

Foreign ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal stated that the safety of approximately 10 million Indian citizens there is an “utmost priority”. He emphasised that India “cannot be impervious to any development that negatively affects them”.

The conflict also jeopardises critical trade and energy supply chains. Jaiswal noted that any major disruption has “serious consequences for the Indian economy”.

India is heavily reliant on energy imports, with about 50% of its crude oil and 54% of its liquefied natural gas imports transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Analyst Prashant Vasisht from ICRA warned that elevated energy prices could significantly increase India’s import bill.

World oil prices have surged more than 8% due to the conflict, disrupting Middle East exports. While Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri sought to ease concerns by stating India has “sufficient energy reserves”, the economic risks remain pronounced.

In response to the crisis, Indian airlines have resumed limited commercial services to the region. This move aims to evacuate thousands of stranded Indian passengers caught in the turmoil.

 The Sun Malaysia