New Delhi, April 5 (ANI): Former Indian Ambassador to the UAE Sanjay Sudhir has warned that the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz is no longer only an energy issue but a direct threat to food security for millions, including about 10 million Indians living in the Gulf.
Sudhir told ANI the strait is the primary maritime route for food exports to the GCC and for supplies to the Indian diaspora. While cargo flights are being used, he said they are not a sustainable solution and “the Strait of Hormuz has to open.”
His comments come as U.S. President Donald Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Tehran, warning that Iran must “make a deal” or unilaterally reopen the strait, or face consequences he described as “all hell will rain down” — likely signaling renewed strikes on Iran’s energy and command infrastructure. The deadline was set to expire on Monday, April 6.
Sudhir argued traditional blocs such as the G7, NATO or BRICS have limited leverage in the current conflict because of “the nature of the combatants,” and said India’s priority is proactive diplomacy to protect its energy security and the welfare of its diaspora. He stressed mitigation of a “disproportionate hit” to LPG supplies and preventing food shortages among Indians in the Gulf.
Addressing recent regional events, Sudhir said India would not have supported the joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on February 28, 2026, that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, describing the situation as one India must manage for its national interests rather than a war of its making.
The escalating rhetoric has raised global alarm. Former IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei issued an “urgent appeal” on X, urging Gulf leaders and the U.N. to act before the region is “turned into a ball of fire.” (ANI)
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