India has received assurances from Iran that Indian-flagged tankers will be allowed safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route carrying 40 percent of the country’s crude oil imports, an Indian government source said on Thursday.
The development comes amid the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran that has already seen at least 16 commercial ships attacked in the Gulf waters.
Diplomatic Breakthrough After High-Level Talks
India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held three telephone conversations with his Iranian counterpart Seyed Abbas Araghchi in recent days, with the latest call on Tuesday focusing specifically on shipping safety and India’s energy security.
Following these discussions, Iran conveyed assurances that Indian-flagged vessels would not be targeted. Two foreign-flagged tankers believed to be carrying oil for India have already transited the strait safely in recent days.
The Indian source, who was briefed on the matter but declined to be named, noted that the situation remains fluid. Instructions may not have reached all layers of Iran’s administration yet, raising concerns about enforcement on the ground.
India Monitors 778 Sailors on 28 Vessels
New Delhi reported that 28 Indian-flagged vessels are currently operating on both sides of the Strait of Hormuz with 778 Indian sailors aboard. The Petroleum Ministry said authorities, ship managers and recruitment agencies are working closely with Indian embassies to ensure their safety. India has also provided safe harbour to 183 Iranian sailors from a vessel that docked after the war erupted.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told reporters that it would be premature to comment further, but confirmed the focus of ministerial talks remained on protecting commercial shipping. Meanwhile, Iran’s foreign ministry blamed the United States for creating the insecure environment in the Persian Gulf.
A Thai vessel bound for India’s western port of Kandla was attacked on Wednesday, prompting strong criticism from New Delhi. The foreign ministry deplored the targeting of commercial ships and confirmed that Indian citizens had also lost their lives in such incidents.
With global oil prices already crossing $100 per barrel due to the conflict, India – the world’s third-largest oil consumer – has begun scrambling for alternative supplies, including increased purchases from Russia. Analysts say the Iranian assurance, if fully implemented, could prevent a major disruption to India’s energy imports and help stabilise domestic fuel prices in the coming weeks.