Kathmandu. New Delhi: India’s security chief Ajit Doval on Tuesday said he is optimistic about easing energy and fertilizer supply disruptions once the Strait of Hormuz resumes.

The situation in Hormuz, a major waterway for oil and gas imports, remains uncertain, after Iran and the United States agreed to reopen it last week. But Tehran on Saturday announced it was shutting down again in response to Israeli attacks in Lebanon.

India’s National Security Advisor Doval said that it is a welcome development after the meeting of the security chiefs of BRICS countries.

This will help ease supply chain bottlenecks and reduce shortages of chemical fertilizers and other essential commodities, Doval said.

On Monday, Doval met Iranian official Gadir Nezamipour, a senior member of Tehran’s Supreme National Security Council, and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Other BRICS delegates, including Russia, South Africa and Brazil, are also in New Delhi for the meeting.

Meanwhile, India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal began a new round of meetings with visiting US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in New Delhi.

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gore said on social media that talks are underway to finalize a trade deal between the US and India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the G-7 Summit in France on June 17. “There has been significant progress in the long-running negotiations for a trade deal,” he said.

Under the pact, Washington and New Delhi aim to increase bilateral trade to USD 500 billion by 2030.