Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Apr 2: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed on Thursday that six Indian vessels carrying LPG, LNG, and other products have successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing regional tensions. India continues to coordinate with Iran and other nations to ensure the safe transit of its ships through the strategically critical waterway.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, speaking at a weekly briefing, said India is in active discussions to facilitate the movement of 18 Indian-flagged vessels stranded in the Persian Gulf. “Through this conversation over the past several days, six Indian ships have safely crossed Hormuz, and we continue to be in touch with relevant parties for unimpeded transit,” he stated.

Jaiswal also confirmed India’s participation in a meeting on the Strait of Hormuz hosted by the United Kingdom later on Thursday, with India’s Foreign Secretary attending on behalf of New Delhi.

Addressing reports about potential tolls for Indian vessels, Jaiswal clarified, “There has been no discussion of this nature between us and Iran.”

Iran has previously announced that it will allow vessels from select “friendly” nations—including India, China, Russia, Iraq, and Pakistan—to pass through the Strait of Hormuz while restricting access for others. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi reiterated that the Strait has not been fully closed and friendly nations have been exempted from restrictions.

The development comes amid heightened instability in West Asia, which has raised concerns about regional security and global energy markets. On March 21, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, stressing the importance of safeguarding navigation and maintaining open shipping lanes, while condemning attacks on critical infrastructure. Both leaders had earlier discussed the situation on March 12, emphasizing dialogue and diplomacy as the means to resolve tensions.