Iran's Strait of Hormuz Leverage Threatens 9 Million Indian Workers in Gulf

Iran's control of the Strait of Hormuz provides a temporary geopolitical lever, allowing Tehran to influence global oil markets that depend on the narrow waterway for roughly one‑fifth of world oil consumption. Prolonged disruption, however, could erode this advantage as nations accelerate diversification of energy sources and routes.

The conflict escalated on 28 February 2026 after the United States and Israel struck Iran, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and targeting military and nuclear sites. Unable to attack the United States directly, Iran has focused on American installations in Gulf states, launching missiles and drones at bases in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq, Oman and Jordan, while also targeting oil and shipping infrastructure.

India has about 9.6 million nationals living and working in the Gulf, the majority in the United Arab Emirates (≈4 million), Saudi Arabia (≈2 million), Kuwait (≈1 million) and the combined markets of Oman, Qatar and Bahrain. These expatriates are directly exposed to the heightened risk from Iran's retaliation against U.S. positions and the broader instability affecting the region’s oil and transport networks.