New Delhi, April 3 -- India emphasised the importance of freedom of navigation and unimpeded transit through international waterways at a meeting convened by the UK on Thursday to explore ways to reopen the Strait of Hormuz amid mounting concerns over the disruption of energy supplies. Foreign secretary Vikram Misri represented India at the meeting chaired by British foreign minister Yvette Cooper on Thursday afternoon. He participated virtually alongside representatives from countries such as France, Germany, Italy, Canada and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A ministry of external affairs statement said more than 60 countries participated in the meeting. The Associated Press reported that the US didn't attend the virtual meeting. In his remarks at the meeting, Misri noted the "importance of the principles of freedom of navigation and unimpeded transit through international waterways", according to a readout from the external affairs ministry. He emphasised the impact of the crisis in West Asia on India's energy security, and "the fact that India remains the only country to have lost mariners in attacks on merchant shipping in the Gulf". Misri also said that the "way out of the crisis consisted of de-escalation and a return to the path of diplomacy and dialogue among all concerned parties". Three seafarers are among the eight Indians killed in the West Asia conflict. They died in attacks on merchant vessels in the early days of the conflict. UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said the talks, which focused on political and diplomatic rather than military means, showed "the strength of our international determination" to reopen the strait, the AP reported India, Jaiswal reiterated, stands for free and open commercial shipping and maritime security in line with international law. "We continue to call for ensuring safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz as a matter of priority," Jaiswal said....