Indian-flagged tankers safely pass through Strait of Hormuz amid regional tensions

Amid rising tensions in the region, several Indian-flagged oil tankers have successfully crossed the strategic Strait of Hormuz, ensuring the continuation of crude oil supplies to India despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainty.

Reports on Thursday suggested that India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar held discussions with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi regarding the safe passage of Indian vessels through the key maritime route. Some media outlets indicated that Iran may have agreed to allow Indian-flagged tankers to transit the strait following the talks, although officials from both countries have not formally confirmed this.

Despite the uncertainty, two Indian-flagged tankers, Pushpak and Parimal, have successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz without incident.

In another development, the Liberian-flagged tanker Shenlong, captained by an Indian national and carrying Saudi crude oil, safely crossed the strait and arrived at Mumbai port on Wednesday evening. The vessel had loaded crude from Saudi Arabia’s Ras Tanura Port before reportedly switching off its tracking transponder during its journey.

According to Praveen Singh, Deputy Conservator of the Mumbai Port Authority, the tanker is carrying approximately 135,335 metric tonnes of crude oil. The vessel has docked at Jawahar Dweep terminal and has begun unloading its cargo. The ship’s crew included Indian, Pakistani and Filipino nationals.

Data from India’s Directorate General of Shipping shows that 28 Indian-flagged vessels are currently operating in or near the Strait of Hormuz. Eight vessels that were positioned east of the strait when the conflict escalated have since moved to safer areas.

The passage remains critically important for India’s energy security, as nearly half of the country’s crude oil and natural gas imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Rising tensions involving Iran, the United States and Israel have raised concerns about potential disruptions to global oil supplies and the risk of an energy crisis.

However, the safe arrival of multiple tankers has provided some reassurance that vital oil shipments to India continue despite the ongoing regional conflict.