India has not held any direct discussions with the United States about sending naval ships to protect merchant vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed this on Monday.
This statement came after US President Donald Trump urged several countries to deploy warships in the region to ensure safe movement of commercial ships.
Responding to media queries, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal clarified India’s position. He said that New Delhi has not engaged in any bilateral talks with Washington on this matter.
“We are aware of discussions among several countries. We have not yet held bilateral talks on this issue,” he said.
However, he added that India will stay in touch with different stakeholders and continue consultations as the situation develops.
Trump Calls for Global Naval Presence
Earlier, Trump had asked multiple countries to contribute naval forces to keep the Strait of Hormuz open. He shared this message on his social media platform, Truth Social.
He specifically named China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom, along with other nations that depend on the route for trade and energy supplies. Trump stressed the need to maintain the waterway’s “safe and open” status.
So far, none of the countries mentioned have made any immediate commitments in response to this request.
Europe Seeks Clarity on US Strategy
At the same time, European nations are trying to understand the United States’ broader plan, especially regarding a possible conflict with Iran. Foreign ministers from European Union countries met on Monday to discuss the situation and review Trump’s proposal.
During the meeting, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul highlighted the need for more details from the US. He said countries require a clear understanding of the mission’s goals and timeline.
“We need more clarity on when the US and Israel consider the military objectives of their deployment to have been achieved,” he told reporters.
Growing Uncertainty Amid Rising Tensions
Overall, the situation reflects increasing uncertainty in the region. While discussions are ongoing among global powers, concrete decisions on naval deployment have not yet been made.
India, for now, is maintaining a cautious approach. It is observing developments closely and engaging in broader consultations rather than making any immediate commitments.