By Kim Mackrael and Costas Paris
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he reiterated the importance of keeping international shipping lanes open during a call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
Iran's response to attacks by the U.S. and Israel has almost completely stopped shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-fifth of the world's oil and gas traveled before the war.
Modi said in a social-media post on Saturday that he condemned attacks on critical infrastructure in the region, which he said threaten stability and disrupt global supply chains. He also "reiterated the importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation and ensuring that shipping lanes remain open and secure," said the post.
Two India-flagged tankers passed through the Strait about a week ago, in a rare crossing that took place after an earlier call between the two leaders. India is negotiating for more ships to be able to cross, Indian maritime government officials have told The Wall Street Journal.
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(END) Dow Jones Newswires
March 21, 2026 10:25 ET (14:25 GMT)
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