London, Apr 17 (PTI) British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday chaired a virtual meeting of the new Strait of Hormuz Maritime Freedom of Navigation Initiative.
The meeting, which the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed involved an invitation to India among 40 participating nations, is geared towards facilitating security cooperation, critical supply chains and support to the global industry.
It came as Iran and the US exchanged messages on social media to confirm the crucial shipping route would remain “completely open” during the ceasefire agreed between Israel and Lebanon and amid ongoing US-Iran negotiations.
“The unconditional and immediate reopening of the Strait is a global responsibility, and we need to act to get global energy and trade flowing freely again," said Starmer, who is in Paris for the joint UK-French summit.
“Emmanuel Macron and I are clear in our commitment to establish a multinational initiative to protect freedom of navigation. We must reassure commercial shipping and support mine clearance operations to ensure a return to global stability and security,” he said.
Downing Street said the leaders will focus on supporting the fragile ceasefire in the region and ensuring shipping routes are reopened and secured through the Strait for the long term, complementing ongoing diplomatic efforts to reinforce peace.
Discussions will also include supporting the vital work of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), which joined the summit to ensure the safety of seafarers and vessels.
“Planning is underway now, with a view to deploying a combined military effort as soon as conditions allow. The international mission will be strictly defensive in nature," Downing Street said.
Friday’s conference will be followed by a multi-national military planning summit at Permanent Joint Headquarters in Northwood, north-west London, next week. Partners are also expected to step up engagement with the insurance industry to accelerate the mobilisation of commercial shipping when the conditions allow, officials said.
While in Paris, Starmer and Macron will also hold bilateral talks over lunch and discuss Europe’s support for Ukraine in the conflict with Russia as well as shared challenges such as illegal migration, growth and stepping up European security.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a statement on X that following the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire, the passage for all commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz is “declared completely open for the remaining period of the ceasefire”.
US President Donald Trump responded with a “thank you” message, adding on his Truth Social platform that the “naval blockade will remain in full force” until the “transaction with Iran is 100 per cent complete”.
“This process should go very quickly in that most of the points are already negotiated,” he stated.