Strait of Hormuz: How the Middle East War Could Hit India
The war in the Middle East could directly affect India if the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil route, gets blocked, leading to fuel shortages and price hikes.
In the last few days, a dangerous war has started in the Middle East. First, Israel launched airstrikes on Iran. Then Iran attacked back. Now, the United States has also entered the war with a strong military operation called Operation Midnight Hammer. As part of this operation, U.S. B2 bombers dropped powerful bunker-busting bombs on Iran’s nuclear sites.
Many people in India may feel that this war is happening far away and won’t affect them. But the truth is, this conflict could directly impact India. And the main reason for that is a small but very important sea route called the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway between Iran and Oman that connects the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea. It is one of the most important oil routes in the world. Around 40% of India’s oil comes through this route. Countries like Iraq, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Kuwait send their oil to India using this path.
Every day, about 20–30% of the world’s oil, which is around 21 million barrels, passes through the Strait of Hormuz. A lot of liquefied natural gas (LNG) also travels through this narrow route. It is very important for sending oil and gas to Asia, Europe, and other parts of the world.
The problem is that this strait is only about 21 miles wide at the narrowest point, and it lies very close to Iran. Because of this, Iran can easily block it, especially during political fights or wars. If that happens, oil prices could rise very fast and many countries could face serious trouble.
The Strait of Hormuz is also used for other goods. It is a key trade route that connects the Persian Gulf to the Indian Ocean. More than 80% of Asia’s oil from the Middle East goes through this route. Because of its importance, countries like the U.S. keep warships in the area to make sure the route stays open. But Iran also has control over nearby waters, which often creates tension and the risk of military clashes.
If the strait gets blocked because of the war, it can create big problems. Oil and gas supplies could be delayed. Fuel prices could go up. The cost of transport, electricity, and daily items could rise. Many economies, including India’s, may face difficulties.
Even though India has started buying oil from countries like Russia, the United States, and Brazil, and has built emergency oil reserves, it is still not completely safe from such a crisis. This shows that the war in the Middle East is not just a local issue. It has global effects and can directly affect Indian homes and businesses.
In the coming days, the world will be watching to see whether the Strait of Hormuz remains open and whether peace talks can stop this war from spreading further. Any threat to this route is not just a Middle East problem—it is a global concern. And for India, it could mean real changes in daily life.
Stay connected with ISH News for more updates on this serious and developing story.
