Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz haven’t deterred India-Iran diplomacy. After External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar’s parley with Abbas Araghchi, Iran greenlit Indian-flagged tankers, prioritizing crude and LNG flows through this chokepoint.
‘Pushpak’ and ‘Parimal’ have safely crossed, bucking the trend for US, European, and Israeli ships facing curbs. The talks, the third since war broke out, zeroed in on maritime security amid West Asia’s flux.
In a parallel success, the Liberia-registered ‘Shenl ong Suezmax’, skippered by an Indian and hauling Saudi oil from Ras Tanura (loaded March 1, sailed March 3), transited Hormuz—last spotted there on March 8—and berthed in Mumbai. This pioneer arrival eases fears of energy shortages in India.
The nation, third-largest economy in Asia, sources over half its oil and gas via this narrow corridor. Post-US/Israel attacks on Iran, sea traffic has plummeted, amplifying stakes.
Shipping data shows 28 Indian vessels lingering nearby since hostilities began. Progress: Eight eastward ships reached safety. Seven—’Desh Mahima’, ‘Desh Abhimaan’, ‘Swarn Kamal’, ‘Vishwa Prerna’, ‘Jag Virat’, ‘Jag Lokesh’, ‘LNGC Asim’—hit Arabian Sea; ‘Jag Lakshya’ steers to Angola.
These milestones, amid ongoing volatility, affirm diplomatic wins in securing vital sea lanes and steadying India’s energy lifeline.