India says no consultations held on US-proposed escort plan

India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on March 16 that it has not held consultations with the US or any other country regarding Washington's proposal to deploy warships to escort vessels through the critical energy waterway.

India hasn't engaged in bilateral talks with US, says MEA on situation around Strait of Hormuz.

The statement came as the US calls for the establishment of a multinational naval alliance to ensure the security of the Strait of Hormuz, The Times of India reported.

India supports ensuring the safe passage of ships through direct engagement with Iran. Currently, Iran has allowed two Indian-flagged vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, but 22 Indian ships are still awaiting permission.

Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar told media that there is no "blanket agreement" between India and Iran regarding safe passage, and "each vessel's passage is an independent event."

Source: Mekong News Network