India Invited to Join UK–France Maritime Initiative to Secure Strait of Hormuz

April 18, 2026 : India has confirmed that it has received an invitation to participate in a joint maritime initiative led by the United Kingdom and France aimed at safeguarding navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy chokepoint.

Speaking at a weekly media briefing in New Delhi, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that India has been approached to contribute to efforts focused on ensuring uninterrupted maritime transit in the region. The Strait of Hormuz carries nearly 20 percent of the world’s oil supply, making its security a matter of international concern.

The invitation comes amid broader diplomatic coordination. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron recently held discussions at the Élysée Palace and are planning to convene a virtual summit involving around 40 countries to address maritime security in the region.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is expected to join the discussions and has indicated support for including US President Donald Trump in the initiative.