India backs diplomacy after US-Iran truce, seeks smooth trade flow via Strait of Hormuz while prioritising safety of its citizens in the region.
April 8, 2026: India on Wednesday welcomed the two-week ceasefire between Iran and the United States, expressing hope that the development would pave the way for lasting peace in West Asia. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated that India has consistently advocated de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy to resolve conflicts. He added that New Delhi also hopes the positive momentum in West Asia could support ongoing peace efforts in Ukraine.
India emphasised the importance of uninterrupted global trade through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route that handles nearly half of the country’s oil imports. The recent conflict, triggered by military strikes involving Israel and the US, had disrupted shipping and energy supplies, raising concerns over oil and gas availability. India remains in touch with stakeholders to ensure smooth transit, especially after restrictions imposed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps impacted vessel movement.
Meanwhile, India is closely monitoring the situation for the safety of its nationals in the region. Around 7,500 Indians are still in Iran, with over 1,800 already evacuated via Armenia and Azerbaijan due to airspace closures. The government has issued advisories urging citizens to leave through designated routes. The ceasefire, supported by mediation efforts involving Shehbaz Sharif and Asim Munir, is being seen as a crucial step, though India continues to watch developments cautiously given its strategic and economic interests in the region.