India Joins G7 Meet in France - Strait of Hormuz Crisis Takes Centre Stage

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar arrived in France on Thursday to participate in the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, as global attention turns sharply toward the escalating crisis in West Asia and its far-reaching economic and security implications. Hosted by France the current G7 chair for 2026 the meeting is being held at the historic Abbaye des Vaux-de-Cernay near Paris, marking a significant diplomatic convergence amid one of the most volatile geopolitical phases in recent years.

The deliberations come against the backdrop of intensifying tensions involving Iran and heightened instability across the region, which has severely disrupted global energy flows. A central concern is the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz , a narrow maritime chokepoint through which nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil and Liquefied Natural Gas supplies transit. The disruption has triggered a surge in global oil prices and raised fears of prolonged supply shocks, prompting urgent consultations among major economies.

France, as this year’s host, has prioritised maritime security and coordinated international action, including discussions on diplomatic and security frameworks to restore navigation through the strait. Reports indicate that several G7 members and partners are exploring multilateral efforts ranging from diplomatic engagement to possible maritime security arrangements to ensure freedom of navigation while avoiding further military escalation.

India’s participation, despite not being a G7 member, underscores its rising global profile and strategic relevance, particularly as a major energy-importing nation with deep economic linkages to West Asia. New Delhi has intensified diplomatic outreach in recent weeks, engaging with multiple global leaders to advocate de-escalation and safeguard critical energy routes. The stakes are especially high for India, as prolonged disruption in the Strait of Hormuz could significantly impact fuel supplies, fertiliser availability, and broader economic stability.

Beyond immediate crisis management, the G7 meeting is also expected to address longer-term geopolitical challenges, including Iran nuclear programme and Iran ballistic missile programme , alongside other global conflicts and economic concerns. The Group of Seven comprising the world’s leading advanced economies along with the European Union remains a key platform for coordinating responses to global crises, with this year’s French presidency placing renewed emphasis on energy security, multilateral cooperation, and strategic stability.

On the sidelines of the meeting, Jaishankar is expected to hold bilateral engagements with his counterparts, aimed at strengthening coordination and advancing India’s interests in an increasingly uncertain global environment. The outcomes of these discussions are also likely to shape the agenda for the upcoming G7 Leaders’ Summit later this year in France.