Sri Lankan Navy arrests four Tamil Nadu fishermen

He highlighted India's role as a "first responder" for the Maldives, emphasising that India's support during critical periods has been fundamental to the stability and security of the island nation.

Sibal argued that the US is unlikely to risk a naval operation to forcibly "reopen" the Strait of Hormuz as the deep-water channel necessary for large vessels lies within Iranian territorial waters. Iran does not need sophisticated long-range missiles to defend this corridor; short-range missiles, torpedoes, and mines can easily sink high-value naval assets.

"India is a major exporter of petroleum products, especially to our neighbourhood. We have been supplying diesel to Bangladesh through waterways, rail and the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline in partnership with Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation. Diesel exports to Bangladesh have continued since then," he said.

According to Iranian state media, Iran has intensified its restrictions on the passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing US-Israeli strikes.

INS Trikand arrived at Port Louis on March 10 (Tuesday) as part of its ongoing operational deployment to the South West Indian Ocean Region, the Indian Navy said.