Iran and the US’s blockage of the Strait of Hormuz has been deemed illegal and a violation of the rule of law by Navdeep Singh Suri, India’s former Ambassador to the UAE and Egypt. Suri highlighted the impact of recent West Asia developments on the Indian economy and called for a restoration of the Strait’s previous status before the US and Israel’s attack on Iran.
Expressing concern over the situation, Suri emphasized the breakdown of the rules-based order due to various illegal actions by involved parties. The tensions in West Asia escalated following a joint military operation by the US and Israel against Iran on February 28, resulting in a series of retaliatory actions and the closure of the vital Strait of Hormuz.
Suri assessed the military dynamics of the conflict, acknowledging the military superiority of the US and Israel but also noting Iran’s tactical victories through its control of the Strait of Hormuz. He urged for collaborative efforts among nations to address the evolving situation and emphasized the need for restoring the pre-conflict status of the Strait for global trade.
Reflecting on the broader implications, Suri raised concerns about the potential long-term control of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran, which could lead to increased shipping costs for countries like India heavily reliant on Gulf trade routes. He also highlighted the risk of other countries following suit in imposing tolls on strategic waterways, emphasizing the need for collective action to prevent such scenarios.
Suri supported Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s stance that terrorism transcends nationality and religion, citing examples of terrorism across various regions and faiths. He emphasized the need for a unified global approach against terrorism, irrespective of its origins or ideological affiliations, to effectively combat this global threat.
