Strait of Hormuz Conflict Escalates

Introduction to the Strait of Hormuz Conflict

The Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea, has been a focal point of conflict since March 2026, when Iran enforced a blockade after the US and Israel attacked the country, killing its Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on February 28, 2026.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) Navy has warned that any ship attempting to violate the blockade or transit the strait with its navigation and identification systems switched off would face action, further escalating the situation.

Background of the Conflict

The conflict in the Strait of Hormuz began in March 2026, after the US and Israel launched a joint attack on Iran, resulting in the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. In response, Iran enforced a blockade of the strait, which has been in place for several months.

The blockade has had significant implications for global trade, with many ships being forced to take alternative routes or face the risk of being attacked. The situation has been further complicated by the presence of Indian seafarers in the region, with at least 139 Indians believed to be stuck in the Strait of Hormuz at present.

Recent Attacks on Indian Ships

On Sunday, two merchant ships with Indian crew members were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz. The Nicaragua-flagged MT Petro Dolphin and the Marshall Islands-flagged MT Valthera, a tanker, were together carrying 23 sailors.

Two of the Indian sailors on board the Petro Dolphin, struck by a drone, are still missing, while 10 others, one Bangladeshi national and nine Indians, were rescued. The second ship was hit by a projectile and caught fire, but officials said all 11 Indian sailors on board were safe.

Conversation Between NSAs

National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval spoke to his Iranian counterpart Mohsin Rezaei on Monday evening, the Iranian government said. The readout issued by Iran did not give specifics of the conversation between the NSAs, nor did it refer to the incidents in the Strait of Hormuz.

In a post, the Iranian Embassy in India said that Mr. Doval and Dr. Rezaei, the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran, “exchanged views on the latest regional and international developments and issues of mutual interest to the two countries”.

India's Stance on the Conflict

India has reiterated the need for immediate de-escalation and a resolution to the ongoing conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. The Ministry of External Affairs said, “India reiterates the need for immediate de-escalation and a resolution to the ongoing conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.”

“Attacks on commercial vessels, seafarers and civilian infrastructure must cease. Freedom of navigation and the safe, unimpeded flow of maritime commerce through international waterways, in accordance with international law, must be upheld,” the statement added.

Impact on Indian Seafarers

India accounts for 12.16% of the total global seafaring workforce, and at least 139 Indians are believed to be stuck in the Strait of Hormuz at present. Last week, the Shipping Ministry confirmed that at least 11 Indian seafarers had died in the conflict in the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf region since the war began.

• Two Indian sailors are still missing after the attack on the MT Petro Dolphin.
• 10 others, one Bangladeshi national and nine Indians, were rescued from the MT Petro Dolphin.
• All 11 Indian sailors on board the MT Valthera are safe.

Previous Efforts to Resolve the Conflict

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has also spoken several times in the past to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and stressed the need to stop attacking ships with civilians on board.

The safety and security of Indian seafarers “remain a priority” and that “recurring attacks on commercial shipping in the region are deeply concerning and risk further aggravating an already volatile situation”.

Implications for India

The conflict in the Strait of Hormuz has significant implications for India, with many Indian seafarers caught in the middle. The Indian government has called for de-escalation and diplomacy to resolve the crisis, and has reiterated the need for freedom of navigation and the safe, unimpeded flow of maritime commerce through international waterways.

The situation also has implications for global trade, with many ships being forced to take alternative routes or face the risk of being attacked. The Indian government will need to work closely with other countries to find a resolution to the conflict and ensure the safety of Indian seafarers.

What to Watch Next

The situation in the Strait of Hormuz is likely to continue to escalate in the coming days and weeks. The Indian government will need to continue to work towards a resolution to the conflict, and will need to take steps to ensure the safety of Indian seafarers in the region.

The international community will also be watching the situation closely, and will be looking for ways to resolve the conflict and ensure the safe passage of ships through the strait.