“Up to India to decide, but welcome”: What US envoy said on Delhi’s role in ending Iran war

Sergio Gor on Tuesday said the United States would welcome India’s participation in efforts to end the ongoing conflict in West Asia, leaving the decision to New Delhi.

His remarks come after the collapse of recent US-Iran peace talks in Islamabad, raising fresh concerns over the durability of a fragile two-week ceasefire that still has a week remaining.

Narendra Modi and Donald Trump discussed the situation in West Asia during a phone call, stressing the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and secure. The conversation marked their third interaction this year and the first since the latest round of US-Iran talks.

Asked whether Washington wants India to help ease tensions, Gor said it is up to India to decide its role. He added that the US believes multiple countries can contribute to de-escalation efforts. Referring to tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, he said no country should be able to blockade such a vital international waterway.

Gor told PTI that the US had not formally sought India’s help but described the Modi-Trump call as an “update” on ongoing developments.

On bilateral ties, Gor said several “big-ticket” items — including a potential energy deal — were discussed and could be finalised ahead of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to India in May. He also pointed to a possible Quad foreign ministers’ meeting during the trip.

Addressing trade relations, Gor said the leaders discussed multiple major issues that could see announcements in the coming weeks. India and the US have been working to stabilise ties after last year’s tensions, when Washington imposed steep tariffs on Indian goods, later eased following progress toward a bilateral trade agreement.