Iran has allowed Indian oil tankers to pass through the strategic Strait of Hormuz following a conversation between India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, according to media reports. 

Can India keep the Strait of Hormuz route open for energy supplies?

The discussions were aimed at keeping the crucial maritime route open to ensure that supplies of crude oil and natural gas to India are not disrupted amid escalating tensions in West Asia. 

As a result, Indian-flagged tankers Pushpak and Parimal were able to transit the Strait safely even as vessels linked to the United States, Europe, and Israel continue to face restrictions amid the ongoing regional conflict, people familiar with the development said. 

Ships associated with the US, Europe, and Israel are currently encountering curbs on movement through the key shipping route, which carries a significant share of the world’s oil trade. 

On the issue, Jaishankar also held discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot. 

“A good telecon with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov of Russia. Shared our assessments on the West Asia conflict and related diplomatic efforts. Also took stock of our bilateral cooperation agenda,” Jaishankar said in his X handle.

MEA expresses concern over attacks on commercial vessels in the region

Meanwhile, India’s Ministry of External Affairs expressed concern over attacks on commercial vessels in the region. “We have seen reports about the attack on a Thai ship, Mayuree Naree, in the Strait of Hormuz on March 11. The ship was bound for Kandla in India,” the ministry said in a statement. 

India condemned the targeting of commercial shipping during the conflict in West Asia, noting that several such incidents had already resulted in casualties, including Indian nationals. 

“India reiterates that targeting commercial shipping and endangering innocent civilian crew members, or otherwise impeding freedom of navigation and commerce, should be avoided,” the statement added. 

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said it is closely monitoring the evolving situation in the Persian Gulf. 

According to Rajesh Kumar Sinha, a total of 28 Indian ships are currently operating in the Persian Gulf region. Of these, 24 vessels with 677 personnel are positioned on the western side of the Strait of Hormuz, while four ships carrying 101 personnel are on the eastern side. “The government is closely monitoring the evolving situation,” Sinha said during a media briefing on Wednesday.