PM Modi with Saudi Arabia Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed Bin Salman | File Image/X "We agreed on the need to ensure freedom of navigation and keeping shipping lines open and secure. Thanked him for his continued support for the welfare of the Indian community in Saudi Arabia," PM Modi wrote on X. Ever since the Iran war has started, which on March 28 completed one month, Asian and European countries have struggled to meet their energy demands including oil and gas. Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz to build pressure on the United States, halting a strategic sea passage that is crucial for global shipping of energy resources and other essential commodities. Due to this, hundreds of oil and gas tankers are stranded in Hormuz because Tehran has warned against any unauthorised movement saying it will blow them up and it has indeed did it. So apart from the main concern of stopping the fighting, countries are exploring diplomatic channels with Iran to negotiate their tanker movement and also exploring other sources of securing the energy apart from the Gulf region. PM Modi earlier today said India is confronting the challenges arising from the ongoing conflict in West Asia with full strength. Addressing a gathering at the inauguration of the Noida International Airport in Jewar, the Prime Minister asserted that the country is taking all necessary steps to safeguard its citizens. "Conflict has been ongoing in West Asia for over a month. India is confronting this challenge with full strength,” Modi said. Highlighting that India depends on crude oil and gas from conflict-affected regions, Modi said: “The government is taking necessary steps to ensure the burden does not fall on families and farmers." For the Latest news, India News and breaking stories from around the world, visit Times Now for live coverage and in-depth reporting. Shashwat Bhandari is the Associate Editor at Times Now. With 14 years of experience in the news and media industry, he understands the responsibility ... View More