New Delhi: On a day the conflict in West Asia, triggered by joint US-Israeli strikes on Tehran, completed two weeks, Iran’s ambassador to India Mohammad Fathali said his country will ensure safe passage for Indian interests in the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Fathali told reporters India remains a trusted partner for Iran and that its vessels won’t face difficulties in the vital shipping lane.
“Yes, because India is our friend. You will see it within two or three hours. We believe that Iran and India share common interests in the region,” ANI quoted him as saying on Friday evening.
That will come as a big relief as there have been growing concerns over shipping disruptions in Hormuz, through which a large portion of the world’s oil shipments pass. A number of ships have been attacked near the Strait of Hormuz, with Mojtaba Khamenei saying in his first message since taking charge as the new leader that the crucial waterway should be shut to use as a tool against the ‘enemy’.
23,000 Indian sailors working in Gulf
Meanwhile, Indian government informed that around 23,000 seafarers are working across the Gulf region on merchant ships and offshore installations, with 27 vessels positioned near the Strait of Hormuz.
Breaking down the numbers, Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and W
aterways, said: “To the west of the Strait of Hormuz, in the Persian Gulf, there are 24 Indian-flagged vessels, carrying a total of 677 Indian seafarers, the same number as yesterday. To the east of the Strait of Hormuz, in the Gulf of Oman, there were previously four vessels; yesterday, one of them — the Jag Prakash, an oil tanker — departed the area. Consequently, three Indian-flagged vessels now remain in that region, carrying 76 Indian seafarers.”
He added: “Across the entire Gulf region, there are approximately 23,000 Indian seafarers working on various vessels — including merchant ships and offshore vessels. The Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) maintains continuous contact with all of them through their respective engagement agencies.”
The Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) remains in constant communication with these personnel through their recruitment and engagement agencies, Sinha emphasised.
On the diplomatic front, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has been maintaining regular contact with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi, discussing maritime security and India’s energy concerns.
“EAM and FM of Iran have had three conversations in the last few days. The last one discussed issues pertaining to safety of shipping and India’s energy security. Beyond that, it would be premature for me to say anything,” ANI quoted MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal as saying.
Nearly 9,000 Indian nationals in Iran — including seafarers, students, businesspersons, professionals, and pilgrims — are receiving assistance, Jaiswal said. Several students have returned home, pilgrims have been shifted to safer areas, and support is extended to those traveling via Azerbaijan or Armenia for commercial flights.