4 min readJun 16, 2026 02:01 AM IST
First published on: Jun 15, 2026 at 01:31 PM IST
Underlining the “serious economic disruption across the world” and “loss of life in many countries” caused by the war, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday welcomed the “understanding” reached between Iran and the United States.
Later in the day, an Indian Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) carrier, operated and managed by the State-owned Shipping Corporation of India, crossed the Strait of Hormuz. According to ship tracking data and industry watchers, LNG Carrier Disha was the first vessel to cross the Strait since the announcement of the deal between the US and Iran. The vessel, carrying Qatari LNG, is expected to arrive at Dahej in Gujarat on June 18.
In his post on X after the US-Iran deal was announced, Modi said: “I welcome the understanding reached between the United States and Iran on ending the conflict in West Asia, which has caused serious economic disruption across the world and led to loss of life in many countries.”
Modi is in Slovakia’s capital Bratislava for a day-long visit as part of his Europe trip.
“India hopes that the implementation of this understanding will help restore peace and stability in the region and ensure the freedom of navigation and commerce. We look forward to deliberations on the remaining issues reaching a sustainable final agreement,” he said.
At least 13 Indians, including seafarers, have been killed in attacks during the war in West Asia over the last three-and-a-half months. The most recent was on June 10, when three Indian seafarers died in a US missile strike on a commercial ship.
About 1 crore Indians are estimated to be living in West Asia. According to official estimates, about 18,000 Indian seafarers, including about 500 who are stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, are currently in the region.
Besides, about 60 per cent of India’s energy needs come from the Gulf, and the near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz has severely impacted the supply of LPG, LNG, petrol, diesel and fertilisers, leading to rise in prices.
Modi’s emphasis on the economic disruption and loss of lives caused by the war signals the stakes involved for Delhi. As does his emphasis on “freedom of navigation and commerce” — a major concern for the country.
The statement also strikes a cautionary note, expressing hope that the “deliberations on the remaining issues” reach a “sustainable final agreement”. Contentious issues, including Iran’s nuclear programme, a toll-free Strait of Hormuz and sanctions relief for Iran, are yet to be fleshed out. Also, since Israel is not a party to the pact, Delhi will be keeping a close watch on how the situation unfolds.
Modi will be meeting US President Donald Trump in Evian, France, on Wednesday afternoon, and a clearer picture may emerge. Also, French President Emmanuel Macron has called leaders of the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar to Evian for a separate session on West Asia, on the sidelines of the G7 leaders’ summit on June 16-17, and that will be an opportunity to hear their views.
On Tuesday, Modi is scheduled to have three bilateral meetings — with Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Modi’s statement echoed a broader message put out by the leaders of France, Germany, Italy and Britain, who welcomed the new agreement in a joint statement. “This is a moment of opportunity to restore regional stability and stabilise the global economy,” they wrote. “It is now vital that the detailed negotiations are concluded and this agreement is implemented rapidly and comprehensively. We are ready to support that effort.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday welcomed the US-Iran agreement aimed at ending the West Asia conflict, saying India hopes the understanding will restore peace, stability and freedom of navigation while paving the way for a sustainable final settlement. (File Photo) 
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