Iran Assures Safe Passage for Indian Ships Through Strait of Hormuz as LPG Carriers Head Toward Gujarat Ports
Amid growing international concern over disruptions to maritime traffic caused by the escalating conflict in the Gulf region, Iran’s Supreme Leader’s representative in India, Dr. Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi, has reassured that Indian vessels will continue to be allowed safe transit through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
The assurance comes at a time when the narrow waterway, one of the world’s most crucial oil and gas shipping corridors, has witnessed heightened tensions due to the ongoing confrontation involving Iran, the United States, and its allies.
Indian LPG Ships Successfully Cross the Strait
The statement from the Iranian representative coincided with confirmation from India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways that two Indian-flagged liquefied petroleum gas carriers — Shivalik and Nanda Devi — managed to safely pass through the conflict-affected Strait of Hormuz early on Saturday morning.
Officials said the vessels are currently sailing towards Mundra and Kandla ports in Gujarat, carrying a combined cargo of more than 92,700 tonnes of LPG, which is an important fuel supply for domestic consumption.
Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary in the shipping ministry, told journalists during a media briefing that the two tankers are expected to reach Indian shores between March 16 and March 17.
According to government officials, these ships were part of a group of 24 vessels that had remained stranded on the western side of the strait after tensions escalated in the region and maritime movement slowed due to security concerns.
Iran Signals Continued Cooperation With India
When asked whether Indian ships would be able to move through the strait without restrictions in the coming days, Dr. Ilahi responded affirmatively.
Speaking to news agency ANI, he confirmed that Iran intends to allow Indian vessels to pass safely through the waterway.
He also indicated that Iranian diplomatic missions had already taken steps to help facilitate the movement of Indian ships through the strait, suggesting that the embassy had been working to ensure safe transit for some vessels waiting to cross the route.
Iran had earlier conveyed similar assurances to New Delhi, emphasising that commercial vessels from India would not be targeted despite the ongoing military tensions in the region.
Iranian Ambassador Echoes Friendly Ties
A day earlier, Iran’s ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, had also highlighted the longstanding relationship between the two countries while addressing reporters in New Delhi.
He described India and Iran as close partners with shared interests and said both countries maintain a long history of cooperation.
“We consider India a friendly nation. Our two countries have common interests and a shared future,” the envoy stated.
Fathali also hinted that developments related to the movement of ships through the Strait of Hormuz could occur quickly, suggesting that positive progress might be visible within a matter of hours.
India Maintaining Diplomatic Contact
Sources familiar with the situation said that the Indian government remains in continuous communication with Iranian authorities to ensure the safe movement of around two dozen Indian-flagged ships currently located west of the Strait of Hormuz.
These diplomatic exchanges are part of ongoing efforts to prevent disruption to India’s energy supplies and commercial shipping, as the strait serves as a vital route for oil and gas imports.
Saudi Oil Tanker Also Heading to India
In a related development, officials said that a crude oil tanker carrying petroleum from Saudi Arabia has also successfully navigated through the Strait of Hormuz and is expected to arrive at an Indian port in the coming days.
The safe movement of these vessels has brought some relief to energy markets and shipping operators who had feared potential blockades or disruptions in the region.
Iran Signals Readiness for Prolonged Conflict
Commenting separately on the broader geopolitical situation, Dr. Ilahi suggested that Iran is prepared to endure a prolonged confrontation if required.
He rejected claims made by US President Donald Trump that Tehran was seeking negotiations to end the conflict.
According to Ilahi, Iran currently has no intention of entering into talks with the United States, arguing that Washington initiated the hostilities.
“Iran does not wish to negotiate with them at this time because they started this conflict,” he said, adding that previous diplomatic engagements had ended with military action from the other side.
Ilahi maintained that Iran views the ongoing crisis as a war imposed upon it and stated that the country will continue defending itself against external attacks.
Strategic Importance of the Strait
The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, is one of the most strategically significant maritime chokepoints in the world.
A large share of global oil and gas shipments passes through the narrow channel linking the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the wider Indian Ocean.
Any disruption in this route has the potential to impact global energy markets and international trade, making assurances of safe passage particularly important for countries heavily dependent on energy imports such as India.
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