India Seeks US Marine Protection for Middle East Energy Cargoes Amid Gulf Crisis

India is seeking marine protection for oil shipments from the Middle East as the country tries to mitigate potential supply disruptions caused by the ongoing crisis in the Gulf. According to a government official, New Delhi is discussing the issue with the US and exploring other sources of energy, including Russia.

The official stated that India is comfortable with the current situation, but emphasized the need for securing oil supplies. The country relies on the Middle East for around 40% of its oil imports and 85-90% of its LPG imports.

US President Donald Trump has ordered the US International Development Finance Corporation to provide political risk insurance and financial guarantees for maritime trade in the Gulf. He also suggested that the US Navy could begin escorting vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping lane that accounts for around 20% of global oil and gas supplies.

India has already increased imports of oil and LPG from the US, and is now looking to diversify its energy sources. The country's Oil Minister, Hardeep Singh Puri, has discussed the current market situation with the International Energy Agency and the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries.