India First: India boosts naval presence as Iran war threatens oil shipments

This debate examines India's energy security amid the Iran conflict and the challenges of keeping maritime sea lanes open through the Strait of Hormuz. The discussion features Vice Admiral Shekhar Sinha, former Flag Officer Commanding in Chief of the Indian Navy's Western Naval Command, Siddharth Zarabi, Managing Editor of Business Today, and geopolitical analyst Hadi Ellis. Zarabi highlighted that securing two tankers represents 'one of the finest moments for recent Indian diplomacy', though the quantity amounts to just one and a half days of supply. Admiral Sinha noted that Indian Navy ships have been positioned in the Gulf of Oman to escort tankers, providing protection against potential missile attacks. With 22 ships still stranded and industrial gas usage being rationed, experts discuss whether prolonged conflict could lead to regime change or even the division of Iran, while India diversifies its energy sources to mitigate supply disruptions.