Iran has assured India that its ships will be allowed safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime chokepoint for global energy supplies. The move comes amid rising tensions in West Asia that have disrupted shipping routes in the Gulf.
Iran’s Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, said Indian vessels bound for the country would be granted “safe passage,” highlighting the longstanding friendship between the two nations. He emphasized that India is considered a friend and that operational details are expected to follow soon.
This assurance is significant for India, which relies heavily on energy imports from West Asia. A large portion of its crude oil and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) passes through Hormuz, making uninterrupted maritime access a strategic priority.
In a practical demonstration of these arrangements, an Indian commercial ship carrying 40,000 metric tonnes of LPG recently exited the Strait of Hormuz with the protection of an Indian Navy escort. The operation reflects India’s proactive efforts to safeguard its energy shipments amid regional instability.
New Delhi has been in regular contact with Tehran to coordinate the safety of its vessels. Indian officials say that ensuring secure maritime routes is crucial to maintaining energy supply and trade continuity.
Analysts note that Iran’s assurances also signal an interest in maintaining stable bilateral relations with India, even as tensions with other countries in the region continue to escalate. For India, these diplomatic and security measures are part of broader efforts to mitigate risks to its energy imports and maritime trade.
With the first ship already escorted successfully, India’s energy supply chain is expected to remain largely uninterrupted. Further coordination between the two countries is likely to ensure smooth passage for more vessels in the coming weeks.
