Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has called for closer coordination between India, the United Kingdom and the United States to help end the ongoing conflict involving Iran and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for global energy supplies. Speaking at the Economic Times World Leaders Forum on Saturday, Johnson also described the US military action against Iran as a mistake and argued that a negotiated settlement was needed to prevent further escalation.
Johnson said Iran must be prevented from acquiring nuclear weapons and supporting terrorism, but argued that political change in the country could not be achieved through air strikes. He said any long-term solution would have to come through an agreement with Tehran and greater diplomatic coordination among major powers.
Johnson calls for Iran deal
According to Johnson, the immediate priority should be to bring the conflict to an end and restore the movement of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. The waterway is one of the world's most important energy corridors, making any prolonged disruption a concern for oil markets and countries dependent on energy imports.
Johnson said India, Britain and the US should work together to find a way forward with Iran. He also stressed the need for countries to cooperate to reduce pressure on oil prices and restore normal shipping activity in the region.
Criticism of US military action
The former British prime minister criticised Washington's decision to launch military action against Iran without sufficiently consulting its allies. He said the US had walked into what he described as an "obvious trap" and argued that the conflict had created a situation from which Washington now needed a diplomatic exit.
At the same time, Johnson said he continued to prefer a US-led international order over one dominated by China. He argued that America's allies should help Washington find a way out of the current crisis rather than allow the confrontation to deepen.
Modi's role highlighted
Johnson also spoke positively about Prime Minister Narendra Modi and recalled his interactions with US President Donald Trump during Johnson's time in office.
He said Trump had previously been more willing to consult friends and listen to advice, including from Modi. Johnson's comments came as India faces a complicated strategic environment, maintaining relationships with the US, Russia and countries across West Asia while protecting its own economic and security interests.
India urged to press Russia
Johnson also turned his attention to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and urged India to use its relationship with Moscow to encourage Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war.
He rejected the view that Russia was in a position to ultimately prevail and argued that greater pressure on Moscow was required for negotiations to produce a lasting outcome. Johnson acknowledged India's longstanding relationship with Russia and its "particular position" on the conflict.
He also backed stronger military support for Ukraine, including the possible provision of Tomahawk missiles and the transfer of frozen Russian assets to Ukraine.
Push for closer India-West ties
Johnson concluded by advocating deeper defence and strategic cooperation between India, the UK and the US. He said stronger military cooperation among the three countries would be more practical as global security challenges become increasingly interconnected.
His remarks also reflected his broader assessment of India's growing international role. Johnson praised India's economic and democratic trajectory and described the country's future as highly promising.
He also welcomed the India-UK Free Trade Agreement, negotiations for which began during his tenure as British prime minister. His comments come at a time when India is increasingly being viewed as an important partner in discussions involving global trade, energy security and geopolitical stability.
