New Delhi: India has managed to secure safe passage for its oil and gas tankers through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz following diplomatic talks with Iran, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said.
Speaking about the development, Jaishankar said ongoing diplomatic engagement between New Delhi and Tehran has already produced results, after Iran allowed two Indian-flagged tankers to pass through the sensitive maritime route despite rising tensions in the Middle East. Two gas carriers, Shivalik and Nanda Devi, carrying around 92,712 metric tonnes of LPG, crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday.
The Strait of Hormuz has been affected by the ongoing Iran related conflict, raising global concerns about energy supplies and shipping safety. Around 20% of the world’s oil passes through this waterway.
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aishankar highlighted that India’s approach was based on dialogue and coordination rather than confrontation. He said discussions with Iran are still ongoing and that diplomacy remains the best way to ensure safe maritime movement. According to reports, the Indian foreign minister Jaishankar had spoken four times over the phone with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi since Strait of Hormuz was shut by Iran.
The minister also clarified that no formal agreement has yet been reached to fully reopen the route and that each case is being handled individually through discussions.
The development comes at a time when the Strait has seen reduced ship traffic and heightened security risks due to the regional conflict. Several countries are exploring ways to protect their energy supply chains, including diplomatic negotiations and possible naval escorts.
“These are still early days. We have many more ships there. So while this is a welcome development, there is continuing conversation because there is continued work on that,” the minister said.
The government has also reassured citizens that India currently has adequate supplies of cooking gas and energy resources, even as tensions continue in the region.