Securing the Flow: Jaishankar’s Blue-Water Diplomacy at the AZEC Energy Summit

In the backdrop of a volatile global energy landscape, Indian External Affairs Minister [S. Jaishankar] participated in the “AZEC Plus” ministerial meeting via video conference from New Delhi on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, to address critical supply chain disruptions and ensure maritime security. Convened by Japan and chaired by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, the high-level meeting brought together 11 member nations and key partners to discuss the fallout of the West Asia conflict and the strategic closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
During the session, Dr. Jaishankar delivered a firm message, asserting that attacks on merchant shipping are “completely unacceptable”. He underlined India’s unwavering commitment to the “safe and unimpeded” transit of maritime vessels, noting that global economic growth is inextricably linked to energy markets that are not constricted by regional instability. Given that the Strait of Hormuz typically facilitates nearly half of India’s oil imports, the Minister emphasised the urgent need for de-escalation, dialogue, and diplomacy to restore regional stability.
The Minister further articulated India’s intent to collaborate with “like-minded partners” to build more resilient and reliable supply chains. This collective effort aims to safeguard against future bottlenecks and maintain steady energy flows amidst shifting geopolitical tides. In alignment with these goals, Japan announced a $10 billion energy support package—the “Partnership on Wide Energy and Resources Resilience” (POWERR Asia)—to bolster regional infrastructure and supply security.
Dr. Jaishankar’s remarks were part of a broader diplomatic push, as he also engaged in telephonic discussions with his counterparts from Israel and Australia to share perspectives on the West Asia crisis. By prioritising the welfare of Indian seafarers and the integrity of global trade routes, the Minister reaffirmed India’s role as a proactive stakeholder in regional energy security and international maritime law.