New Delhi, July 9 -- Expressing concern over the recent attacks on commercial vessels transiting through the Strait of Hormuz and the subsequent exchange of fire between the US and Iran, German Ambassador to India Philipp Ackermann on Thursday called for "a quick return to the status quo" of the strategic waterway for it to be remaining open, saying that Berlin hopes diplomacy prevails as the crisis highlights the urgent need for India and Germany to strengthen cooperation on energy security.

"We are as concerned as you are. We hope for diplomacy and for a quick return to the status quo where the Strait of Hormuz is open," Ackermann told ANI.

He said the developments in the Gulf have reinforced the importance of reducing dependence on i...