Iran Allows India-Flagged Tankers Through Strait of Hormuz After Diplomatic Talks

NEW DELHI/TEHRAN — Iran has allowed India-flagged oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz following diplomatic talks between India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, easing concerns over potential disruptions to one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes.

According to officials familiar with the matter, Indian tankers Pushpak and Parimal have been able to transit safely through the strategic waterway even as vessels from the United States, Europe and Israel continue to face restrictions.

Ensuring the safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz was a central topic during a conversation between Jaishankar and Araghchi late Tuesday, as the two leaders discussed the evolving security situation in West Asia. The call marked their third discussion since the outbreak of the conflict involving Iran.

In a related development, a Liberian-flagged tanker carrying Saudi Arabian crude oil and captained by an Indian officer also successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz and later docked at Mumbai port.

The vessel, Shenlong Suezmax, became the first tanker bound for India to safely navigate the waterway after maritime traffic slowed sharply following military strikes on Iran by the United States and Israel.

The tanker loaded crude oil at the Saudi port of Ras Tanura on March 1 and departed two days later. Maritime tracking data from Lloyd’s List Intelligence and TankerTrackers showed the vessel’s last recorded location in the Strait of Hormuz on March 8 before it entered Indian waters.

The successful transit has helped ease concerns in India about possible disruptions to energy supplies. India relies heavily on the narrow maritime corridor, with more than half of its crude oil and natural gas imports passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

Despite the safe passage of some vessels, several Indian ships remain in or near the sensitive waterway.

According to the Directorate General of Shipping, at least 28 India-flagged vessels have been operating in or around the Strait of Hormuz since hostilities began in the region.

Officials said eight Indian-flagged ships that were located east of the strait when the conflict began have since moved to safer waters.

A situation report from the Directorate General of Shipping said that in recent days seven vessels — Desh Mahima, Desh Abhiman, Swarna Kamal, Vishva Prerna, Jag Viraat, Jag Lokesh and LNGC Aseem — moved out of the strait and entered the Arabian Sea. Another vessel, Jag Lakshya, continued onward toward Angola.

Tensions in the region remain high, however. On March 11, a Thai-flagged cargo ship was reportedly attacked near the Strait of Hormuz shortly after departing the United Arab Emirates, according to the Royal Thai Navy.

The vessel, identified as Mayuree Naree, had left Khalifa Port in the UAE and was headed for Kandla Port in Gujarat when it came under attack while transiting the strait.

Authorities in the region continue to closely monitor security conditions along the key maritime corridor, which handles a significant portion of the world’s energy shipments. (Source: IANS)