For India, uninterrupted access to energy shipments through the strait remains vital, as the country depends heavily on imported oil and gas to meet its growing energy demand
Iran has allowed two India-flagged liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carriers to transit the Strait of Hormuz, signalling that energy shipments to India will continue despite rising tensions in the Middle East.
According to shipping sources cited in international reports, the vessels were granted safe passage through the strategic waterway, which connects the Persian Gulf to global shipping routes. The move comes amid fears that the ongoing regional conflict could disrupt one of the world’s most critical energy corridors.
Iran’s Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, confirmed that Indian vessels would be permitted to pass through the strait. He emphasised the long-standing relationship between the two countries and suggested that energy trade would not be affected.
“India and Iran are friends,” Fathali said, adding that both nations share strong historical ties and mutual interests.
·The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most important maritime chokepoints for global energy supply
·Roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil shipments pass through the narrow channel each day, making any disruption a major concern for international markets
Despite fears that hostilities could threaten commercial shipping, recent maritime data suggests that energy flows are continuing. A crude oil tanker carrying Saudi Arabian oil successfully passed through the strait and was expected to arrive in India shortly, indicating that trade routes remain operational.
Iranian officials have also criticised the United States over its stance on global oil markets. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi recently argued that Washington had pressured countries to reduce purchases of Russian oil but was now encouraging them to increase purchases following the escalation of tensions with Iran.
The developments occur against the backdrop of growing geopolitical friction involving Iran, the United States and Israel, raising concerns that the Strait of Hormuz could become a flashpoint if hostilities intensify.
US officials have previously warned that Iran could attempt to disrupt shipping in the strait using mines, drones or missile strikes if the conflict escalates further. However, Tehran’s decision to allow Indian vessels safe passage suggests it is seeking to maintain important economic and diplomatic relationships even during the crisis.
