Iran Permits Indian Vessels to Safely Transit Hormuz Strait

Iran’s Ambassador to India Mohammad Fathali confirmed on Friday, 13 March 2026, that Iran will permit Indian vessels to safely transit the Strait of Hormuz. “Yes, you will see this happen shortly, and I believe within two or three hours,” he told RT India when questioned about shipping routes for Indian vessels. “Because we believe that Iran and India are friends.”

The statement follows a telephone conversation between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, during which the two leaders discussed measures to ensure the sustainability of energy supplies. According to News 18, India is currently negotiating with Iran to secure safe passage for eight additional tanker vessels.

Indian broadcaster NDTV reported that at least two Indian tankers, the Pushpak and Parimal, have already transited the strait since the senior officials of both nations discussed the matter.

Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz had nearly ceased following US and Israeli military strikes against Iran on 28 February, which caused damage and civilian casualties. Iran subsequently retaliated with attacks against Israeli territory and US military installations throughout the Middle East.

The strait serves as a critical corridor for supplying crude oil and liquefied natural gas from Persian Gulf countries to global markets, accounting for approximately 20 per cent of global trade in crude oil, petroleum products, and liquefied natural gas.

India imports more than 60 per cent of its liquefied natural gas, with the majority sourced from Gulf suppliers such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar, all of which transit through the Strait of Hormuz.