India’s diplomatic approach toward Iran is increasingly drawing global attention as tensions in West Asia threaten key global energy supply routes.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has indicated that while European countries may attempt to deepen engagement with Tehran to secure maritime passage, replicating India’s model may not be straightforward given the unique nature of New Delhi’s long-standing relationship with Iran.

In an interview with the Financial Times, Jaishankar noted that every country’s relationship with Iran “stands on its own merits,” suggesting that historical, strategic, and economic contexts shape bilateral engagement differently.

However, he added that India would be open to sharing insights from its diplomatic experience with European capitals that are exploring similar channels with Tehran.

The comments come at a time when geopolitical tensions in the region have intensified following the recent US and Israel military offensive on Iran. The escalation has raised concerns about the safety of commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most strategically important maritime chokepoints in global trade. Roughly 20 percent of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments pass through this narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman.

Reports in the international press suggest that countries such as France and Italy have been exploring possible diplomatic engagement with Iran to secure guarantees for the safe passage of their merchant vessels. However, Italian officials have denied that any special negotiations are underway, stating that Rome’s diplomatic outreach is aimed at encouraging broader de-escalation rather than securing exclusive protections for its commercial fleet. French officials have also acknowledged maintaining communication channels with Tehran but declined to confirm the specifics of any such discussions.

India’s approach appears to be more cautious and pragmatic. According to Jaishankar, New Delhi has not negotiated any blanket arrangement with Iran regarding the movement of Indian-flagged vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. Instead, maritime movement is currently being handled on a case-by-case basis while diplomatic discussions continue.

At the same time, India has intensified diplomatic outreach across the region and beyond. Jaishankar has held discussions with senior officials from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Russia, Germany, South Korea, and Iran, highlighting the broader international concern about the escalating conflict and its economic implications.

The developments underline the strategic importance of maritime security in West Asia for India. As one of the world’s largest energy importers, India relies heavily on crude oil and LNG shipments originating from the Gulf region. Any prolonged disruption in the Strait of Hormuz could significantly affect global energy supply chains and lead to volatility in crude oil prices.

For India, maintaining stable relations with multiple actors in the region-including Iran, Gulf Arab states, and Western powers has long been a cornerstone of its foreign policy. This balancing approach has historically enabled New Delhi to navigate geopolitical tensions while safeguarding its energy and trade interests.

From a market perspective, developments surrounding the Strait of Hormuz remain closely monitored by global energy traders and policymakers. Any escalation that threatens shipping through the waterway could tighten global oil supplies and push prices higher. For India, this would translate into higher import bills, potential inflationary pressures, and increased fiscal challenges.

The energy sector in particular could face heightened volatility. Indian oil marketing companies and refiners remain sensitive to sudden movements in crude prices, which directly influence domestic fuel pricing and refining margins. A sustained rise in crude prices could also complicate the government’s inflation management strategy, especially at a time when policymakers are focused on maintaining macroeconomic stability.

However, India’s diplomatic engagement with multiple regional players could help mitigate some of these risks by ensuring continued access to energy supplies and maritime routes.