India and the Strait of Hormuz: A Changed Strategic Reality
Why In News
Recent West Asia tensions have exposed India's dependence on the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting the urgent need for stronger energy security, maritime resilience, and diversified supply chains.
Context
i. The Strait of Hormuz is the world's most critical energy chokepoint, carrying a substantial share of global crude oil and LNG trade.
ii. Recent geopolitical tensions highlighted those disruptions in strategic sea lanes can significantly impact global energy markets, making maritime security integral to economic security.
iii. For India, heavily dependent on imported crude oil, LNG, and LPG, any disruption threatens energy security, raises inflation and shipping costs, disrupts trade, and affects overall economic stability.
BACKGROUND
Historically, major powers have combined maritime dominance with economic strength to sustain global influence.
India's maritime importance has increased with rising energy imports and expanding overseas trade. However:
i. India remains heavily dependent on imported hydrocarbons.
ii. A considerable volume of LPG and LNG imports has traditionally transited through the Strait of Hormuz.
iii. The recent crisis exposed vulnerabilities in shipping logistics, strategic petroleum planning and maritime resilience.
Countries in the Gulf, particularly the UAE, have increasingly invested in alternative export routes that reduce dependence on the Strait. This offers important lessons for India's long-term energy planning. The Chabahar Port project in Iran also assumes greater strategic significance by improving India's regional connectivity.
Significance of the Strait of Hormuz for India
Energy Security
i. India imports nearly 85% of its crude oil requirement.
ii. A large proportion of LPG and LNG imports have traditionally passed through the Strait.
iii. Any disruption can immediately affect domestic fuel availability and prices.
Economic Stability
i. Higher freight and insurance costs increase import bills.
ii. Rising energy prices contribute to inflation and fiscal pressures.
Maritime Security
i. Protection of sea lines of communication (SLOCs) is essential for uninterrupted trade.
ii. Safety of Indian merchant vessels and seafarers becomes a strategic priority.
Strategic Autonomy
i. Excessive dependence on a single maritime chokepoint limits India's strategic flexibility during geopolitical crises.
Government's Current Initiatives
The Government of India has undertaken several measures to strengthen energy security and reduce strategic vulnerabilities.
Diversification of Crude Imports
i. India now imports crude oil from nearly 40 countries.
ii. Around 70% of India's crude oil imports are sourced through routes outside the Strait of Hormuz, significantly reducing dependence on the chokepoint.
Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR): Strengthening India's Energy Security
To safeguard the country against disruptions in global crude oil supplies arising from geopolitical conflicts, natural disasters, or price volatility, the Government of India, through the Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserve Limited (ISPRL) under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), has established Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPRs) with a total storage capacity of 5.33 million Metric Tonnes (MMT) at three underground rock cavern facilities:
i. Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) – 1.33 MMT
ii. Mangaluru (Karnataka) – 1.50 MMT
iii. Padur (Karnataka) – 2.50 MMT
At full capacity, these reserves can meet approximately 9.5 days of India's crude oil requirement, serving as a strategic buffer during emergencies.
Recent Developments
i. Phase-II Expansion: To further enhance energy security, the Union Government has approved the development of two additional commercial-cum-strategic petroleum reserves with a combined capacity of 6.5 MMT under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model:
• Chandikhol, Odisha – 4.0 MMT
• Padur (Phase-II), Karnataka – 2.5 MMT
ii. These projects will include Single Point Mooring (SPM) facilities and associated onshore/offshore pipeline infrastructure to facilitate efficient crude oil handling and storage.
iii. Budgetary Support: In the Union Budget 2025–26, the Government allocated ₹5,597 crore for the expansion of Strategic Petroleum Reserves under Phase-II, reflecting its commitment to strengthening India's long-term energy resilience and reducing vulnerability to geopolitical shocks.
Significance for India
The expansion of SPRs is expected to:
i. Improve India's preparedness against global supply disruptions and maritime chokepoint risks such as the Strait of Hormuz.
ii. Strengthen national energy security by providing an additional strategic crude oil buffer.
iii. Enhance supply chain resilience while supporting India's objective of building a robust and diversified energy ecosystem.
iv. Generate employment and infrastructure development in Odisha and Karnataka through the construction of new storage facilities.
Expansion of Domestic Energy Production
i. Increased domestic LPG production.
ii. Greater emphasis on ethanol blending, biofuels, natural gas and renewable energy to reduce fossil fuel dependence.
Maritime Security
Safeguarding India's Energy Lifelines
i. Recognising the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf for India's energy imports, the Government has adopted a multi-layered maritime security framework to ensure the uninterrupted movement of commercial shipping and protect Indian seafarers.
Government Measures
Operation Sankalp (Indian Navy):
• Since June 2019, the Indian Navy has maintained a continuous Mission-Based Deployment in the Gulf of Oman, Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz under Operation Sankalp. As of 2026, over 100 Indian-flagged merchant vessels have been escorted safely, ensuring the secure movement of crude oil, LNG and LPG cargoes during periods of heightened regional tensions.
Integrated Inter-Ministerial Coordination:
• The Ministry of Defence, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) and the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) work in close coordination to monitor maritime developments, facilitate safe navigation and respond to emergencies affecting Indian shipping.
Protection of Indian Seafarers:
• According to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, India has over 3 lakh registered seafarers, making it one of the world's largest suppliers of maritime manpower. During the recent West Asia crisis, the Government maintained 24×7 monitoring of Indian crew members and merchant vessels operating in the Gulf region, ensuring their safety through diplomatic engagement and naval support.
DG Shipping Security Advisory (2026):
i. The Directorate General of Shipping issued comprehensive advisories for Indian-flagged vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, mandating:
• Voyage-specific security risk assessments.
• Daily reporting through the DG Shipping portal.
• Ship Security Alert System (SSAS) testing.
• Anti-drone and anti-unmanned surface vessel (USV) preparedness.
• Coordination with the Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) and the Indian Navy.
ii. Mission-Based Maritime Surveillance: The Indian Navy has strengthened Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) through the Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) at Gurugram, which shares real-time information with more than 50 partner countries and multinational maritime agencies, enabling early warning and coordinated responses to maritime threats.
Recent Developments (2026)
i. During the 2026 West Asia crisis, the Indian Navy enhanced deployments under Operation Sankalp, escorting India-bound LPG and crude oil carriers such as Shivalik, Nanda Devi and Jag Laadki, while maintaining a continuous presence in the Gulf of Oman.
ii. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the safe transit of multiple Indian-flagged vessels through the Strait of Hormuz following sustained diplomatic engagement with regional stakeholders.
iii. The Government has reiterated that safeguarding Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs) and ensuring uninterrupted energy supplies remain a core component of India's maritime security strategy.
Strengthening Alternative Maritime Connectivity
i. Develop Chabahar Port: Expedite the development of Chabahar Port under the 10-year operational agreement to enhance India's access to Central Asia and reduce dependence on the Strait of Hormuz.
ii. Promote Regional Connectivity: Strengthen participation in the International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) to diversify trade routes and improve supply-chain resilience.
iii. Implement Maritime Vision: Align these initiatives with the Government's Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, led by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, to develop world-class maritime infrastructure and position India as a global maritime hub
SHORT TERM
• Strengthen emergency petroleum reserves: The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), Phase-II of the SPR programme is underway with the establishment of 6.5 million Metric Tonnes (MMT) of additional storage capacity at Chandikhol (Odisha – 4 MMT) and Padur Phase-II (Karnataka – 2.5 MMT) under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
• Diversify LPG and LNG sourcing: Long-term energy partnerships with countries such as the United States, Russia, Brazil, Guyana and African producers. According to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, nearly 70% of India's crude oil imports are now routed through non-Hormuz supply chains. Simultaneously, expanding LNG import terminals and gas infrastructure under the National Gas Grid and the Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga Project will further enhance supply resilience
• Enhance Protection of Indian Merchant Vessels: strengthening India's indigenous merchant fleet under the Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 will reduce dependence on foreign shipping while improving the resilience of India's overseas trade and energy supply chains.
LONG TERM
• Accelerate the transition to renewable energy, green hydrogen, and biofuels to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and strengthen India's long-term energy security.
1. According to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), India has achieved over 240 GW of installed non-fossil fuel electricity capacity (2025), advancing its target of 500 GW by 2030.
2. Under the National Green Hydrogen Mission (2023), the government aims to produce 5 million metric tonnes (MMT) of green hydrogen annually by 2030, reducing fossil fuel imports.
3. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) is implementing the Global Biofuels Alliance and promoting 20% ethanol blending (E20) to reduce crude oil dependence
• Increase domestic oil and gas exploration to reduce dependence on imported crude and enhance India's energy security.
1. According to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), India currently imports over 85% of its crude oil requirement, making domestic exploration a strategic priority.
2. The government has launched the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) under the Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP) to encourage exploration through transparent bidding.
3. Under OALP Round-IX (2024–25), 28 exploration blocks covering over 1.36 lakh sq. km were awarded to boost domestic hydrocarbon production.
• Strengthen maritime logistics and port infrastructure to ensure uninterrupted trade and reduce vulnerability to global supply chain disruptions.
1. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) is implementing Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 to modernize ports, improve logistics efficiency, and expand India's shipping capacity.
2. Under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, major ports are being integrated with rail, road, and inland waterways to create seamless multimodal logistics networks.
3. Sagarmala Programme has completed over 270 projects and significantly enhanced port connectivity and logistics infrastructure across the country.
• Integrate energy security with India's maritime strategy under the SAGAR vision to ensure secure sea lanes and uninterrupted energy supplies.
1. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Ministry of Defence (MoD) are advancing the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision to promote a safe, secure, and stable Indian Ocean Region.
2. The recently launched MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) initiative (2025) expands India's maritime cooperation by strengthening regional security, connectivity, disaster response, and protection of critical sea lanes.
3. India has also enhanced maritime surveillance through the Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) and increased joint naval exercises with Indo-Pacific partners to safeguard vital energy shipping routes.
WAY FORWARD
The Strait of Hormuz crisis underscores that energy security is national security. India must strengthen resilience through energy diversification, maritime capability, strategic reserves, and secure supply chains to protect its economic and strategic interests.