Iran Guarantees Safe Passage for Indian Tanker Ships Through Hormuz Strait
Iran has formally granted security guarantees for Indian tanker vessels to transit the Strait of Hormuz, marking a significant development for New Delhi amid the paralysis of global shipping routes due to escalating conflict between Iran and the US-Israel alliance.
Iran’s Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, confirmed that this exception is granted on the basis of strong bilateral relations, stating that Indian vessels will be permitted safe passage as a gesture of friendship between the two nations.
This strategic decision followed an emergency telephone conversation between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, with the primary focus on ensuring the continuity of India’s energy supplies, which heavily depend on this critical route.
According to reports, at least two Indian tanker vessels, the Pushpak and Parimal, have successfully transited the strait following the leaders’ conversation. New Delhi is currently negotiating to secure safe passage for eight additional tanker vessels remaining in the high-risk zone.
The Strait of Hormuz represents the world’s most critical chokepoint, encompassing approximately 20% of global crude oil, petroleum products, and liquefied natural gas trade. For India, disruptions in this strait pose a serious threat to national energy security.
India imports more than 60% of its liquefied natural gas requirements from suppliers in the Persian Gulf region, including Saudi Arabia and Qatar. All these supplies must transit the Strait of Hormuz before reaching Indian ports.
Shipping activities in the region came to a complete standstill following a major military assault launched by the US and Israel against Iranian territory on 28 February 2026. The conflict triggered Iranian retaliation against US military assets in the Middle East, transforming international trade routes into extremely dangerous war zones.
US President Donald Trump has warned of possible attacks on oil infrastructure at Kharg Island, Iran, should freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz be disrupted.
The government is preparing anticipatory measures by seeking alternative sources of crude oil imports outside the Middle Eastern region.