New Delhi, March 29 -- The Strait of Hormuz-a narrow but crucial sea route-has become the centre of the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel. Since the war began on February 28, traffic through this corridor has dropped sharply, triggering a global energy shock and raising serious concerns for international trade.

The Strait of Hormuz connects the oil-rich Persian Gulf to the rest of the world. Around one-fifth of global energy supplies normally pass through it.

Before the conflict, more than 130 ships crossed daily. Now, only 3-4 ships per day are managing to pass. Many vessels are stranded nearby, and over 20 commercial ships have reportedly been attacked since the war began.

Iran has not fully shut the strai...