Donald Trump calls Narendra Modi amid Gulf tensions, discusses Middle East crisis and Strait of Hormuz

Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, US President Donald Trump spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with both leaders underscoring the need to keep the Strait of Hormuz open and secure.

In a post on X, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said the two leaders discussed the ongoing crisis and the importance of ensuring uninterrupted movement through the key maritime corridor.

Shortly after, Modi described the conversation as a “useful exchange,” reiterating India’s support for de-escalation and an early return to peace, while stressing that the Strait must remain open, secure and accessible for global stability.

Modi flags Hormuz disruption as ‘unacceptable’

The call came as Modi told Parliament that any disruption in the Strait of Hormuz was “unacceptable.” Addressing the Lok Sabha, he raised concerns over attacks on commercial vessels and disturbances in critical global shipping lanes.

“Attacks on commercial ships and disruptions in international waterways like the Hormuz Strait are unacceptable. Through diplomacy, India is continuously working to ensure the safe passage of Indian ships, even in this atmosphere of war,” he said.

The narrow passage linking the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman handles a significant share of global oil shipments, making it crucial for energy security. Recent disruptions have heightened fears of a broader global energy crisis.

Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Modi warned that the conflict has shaken the global economy and could have long-term consequences.

“This war has created a serious fuel issue globally. For India, too, the situation is concerning. Trade routes have been affected, and the supply of petrol, diesel, gas and fertilisers has been disrupted,” he said, adding that the government is closely monitoring developments and taking steps to mitigate the impact.

US claims progress, Iran rejects

The developments come a day after Donald Trump said his administration had held “productive” talks with Iran and announced a pause on a planned strike, linking it to the reopening of the Strait.

However, Iranian officials rejected the claim. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said no negotiations had taken place, dismissing Trump’s remarks as “fake news” aimed at influencing financial and oil markets while diverting attention from setbacks faced by the US and Israel.

In a post on X, Ghalibaf said, “No negotiations have been held with the US, and fake news is used to manipulate financial and oil markets and escape the quagmire in which the US and Israel are trapped.”