Industry Odisha Bureau, April 23: In a bid to secure navigation in the Strait of Hormuz militarily amid the escalating tensions in the West Asia region, the United Kingdom (UK) and France are reportedly co-hosting talks with over 30 nations in which India is also formally invited.
The momentous talks on the proposed global military mission meant for securing Hormuz navigation would be co-chaired by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, and has been scheduled at UK’s Permanent Joint Headquarters in northwest London.
As per media reports, both UK and France have been batting for a “lasting peace in Hormuz”.
Both have reportedly made it loud and clear that the proposed global military mission at Hormuz would be “entirely defensive” as the proposed joint military force would be deployed there“till a lasting peace agreement is in action”.
Media reports quoting Secretary of State for Defence of the United Kingdom John Healey’s statements in this context said that the initial meeting held of late was “to turn diplomatic consensus into a joint plan to safeguard freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and support a lasting ceasefire”.
Notably, the new development has surfaced in the wake of Trump’s Iran ceasefire extension, continuity of diplomacy as well as adamant Iran’s absolute control over Hormuz followed by allegedly arrogant and vindictive stance initiated by the USA by imposing naval blockade of all Iranian ports as well as the recent firing and seizure of an Iranian cargo ship MV Touska reportedly plying to a Chinese port.
Now all are agog to watch if India would actively take part in the UK-France-led global military mission to secure the contentious Strait of Hormuz.
Meanwhile, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal has reportedly confirmed media persons about India being formally invited to the pivotal London Talks.
