Trump Issues 48-Hour Ultimatum to Iran Over Strait of Hormuz

Former Indian diplomat Sanjay Sudhir warns closure threatens food security for millions of Indians in Gulf

Apr. 5, 2026 at 1:30pm

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As tensions escalate in the West Asia conflict, former Indian Ambassador to the UAE Sanjay Sudhir has cautioned that the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz poses a direct threat to the food security of millions, including 10 million Indians living in the Gulf region. His comments come as U.S. President Donald Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Tehran, warning that 'all hell will rain down' if the strategic shipping lane is not reopened.

Why it matters

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has halted the primary maritime route for food exports, posing an immediate humanitarian crisis for the large Indian diaspora in the Gulf. While cargo flights are being used, they are not a sustainable solution for feeding millions. India must prioritize proactive diplomacy to safeguard its energy security and ensure the well-being of its citizens in the region.

The details

Sudhir noted that the 10 million Indians living in the Gulf region rely on food exports through the Strait of Hormuz, and the current closure has disrupted this critical supply chain. While cargo flights are being utilized, he emphasized that this is not a long-term solution. The former diplomat also highlighted that traditional blocs like the G7, NATO, or BRICS have limited leverage in this specific conflict due to the 'nature of the combatants', leaving India to focus on its own diplomatic efforts to mitigate the impact on LPG supplies and ensure food security for its citizens.

  • On Saturday, President Trump took to social media to issue a final warning to the Iranian government: Iran has 48 hours (expiring Monday, April 6) to 'make a deal' or unilaterally reopen the Strait.
  • The escalating rhetoric has sparked global alarm, with former IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei issuing an 'urgent appeal' on X, imploring Gulf leaders and the United Nations to intervene before the region is 'turned into a ball of fire.'

The players

Sanjay Sudhir

Former Indian Ambassador to the UAE who has cautioned about the threat the Strait of Hormuz closure poses to food security for millions of Indians in the Gulf region.

Donald Trump

The U.S. President who issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face severe consequences.

Mohamed ElBaradei

Former Director General of the IAEA who issued an urgent appeal for Gulf leaders and the United Nations to intervene before the region is 'turned into a ball of fire.'

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What they’re saying

“We have about 10 million Indians living in that part of the world. So, India is one of the main sources of food for the entire GCC, also our 10 million Indians. How does the food get there? It's through the Strait of Hormuz. So, while the focus might be on energy, we have to feed our people. Of course, there are cargo flights, but it's not a sustainable solution. The Strait of Hormuz has to open.”

— Sanjay Sudhir, Former Indian Ambassador to the UAE

“Iran has 48 hours (expiring Monday, April 6) to 'make a deal' or unilaterally reopen the Strait. Failure to comply will result in what Trump described as 'all hell' raining down, likely referring to the resumption of strikes on Iran's energy and command infrastructure.”

— Donald Trump

“I don't think India would have sided with Israel on the killing of Ayatollah Khamenei because we were there to convey our condolences. You know, as I said, it's not our war. It's not a war of our making. It's something which we have to deal with. We have to deal with the situation for the advantage of our people, to meet our interests and all.”

— Sanjay Sudhir, Former Indian Ambassador to the UAE

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Monday, April 6 whether or not to allow Iran to comply with Trump's ultimatum to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

The takeaway

This crisis highlights the delicate balance India must strike in navigating the geopolitical tensions in the region to safeguard the food security and energy needs of its large diaspora in the Gulf, while avoiding direct involvement in a conflict that is not of its making.