Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Mar 28: Two additional merchant vessels carrying petroleum products for India were expected to pass through the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, even as escalating geopolitical tensions continue to impact movement along the crucial maritime route.
The situation has grown increasingly uncertain after Iran claimed “full control” over the strait following recent hostilities involving the United States and Israel.
Sources indicated that the Indian Navy has deployed warships near key ports to assist vessels, with more ships expected to arrive safely from the region in the coming days.
Amid concerns, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the strait remains accessible to “friendly nations” such as India, China, Russia, Iraq, and Pakistan.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed on Friday that four LPG-laden ships had already reached India after successfully navigating the strait. The ministry also assured that it is maintaining close coordination with relevant countries to ensure uninterrupted energy supplies.
Earlier, during a joint inter-ministerial briefing, Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, said authorities are closely tracking developments and working with stakeholders.
He noted that there have been no reported incidents involving Indian-flagged vessels or Indian crew members in the Gulf region in the past 24 hours, confirming that all are safe. Currently, around 20 Indian-flagged ships with nearly 540 Indian seafarers are operating in the Persian Gulf without issues.
Sinha also emphasized that port operations across India remain normal, with no signs of congestion or disruption.
However, multiple reports suggest that shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has slowed since the conflict began, with Iran permitting only limited transit. This has resulted in delays and some vessels being stranded in the region.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical energy corridors, accounting for nearly 20 percent of global petroleum trade, making any disruption a matter of significant international concern.