India and the Strait of Hormuz: Strategic Vulnerabilities and Policy Responses in a Shifting Regional Order

The Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy chokepoint, is crucial for India’s energy security as more than two-thirds of India’s oil imports pass through this route.1 This article examines India’s strategic interests in the strait amid escalating geopolitical tensions, including US–Iran confrontations, China’s expanding regional presence through initiatives like BRI and Gwadar Port, and persistent asymmetric threats like Houthi attacks. Analysing India’s multi-dimensional response—naval deployments (Operation Sankalp2), energy diversification efforts, and diplomatic balancing between Iran and Gulf states—the study reveals significant vulnerabilities: over-reliance on the strait, limited naval logistics in the Gulf, and absence of regional security frameworks. The research highlights emerging alternatives like India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), International North- South Transport Corridor (INSTC), while arguing that India must enhance maritime domain awareness, develop forward operating capabilities, and lead minilateral security initiatives to protect its interests. The findings contribute to understanding how rising powers navigate critical chokepoints amidst great power competition, offering policy recommendations for India to secure its energy lifelines while maintaining strategic autonomy in an increasingly contested maritime domain.