New Delhi: The Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) tanker Shivalik safely arrived at Mundra port in Gujarat after successfully crossing the strategically important Strait of Hormuz amid rising tensions in West Asia. Another Indian-flagged LPG carrier, Nanda Devi, is expected to reach Kandla port on March 17 after completing its transit through the same route.
The movement of the two vessels comes at a time when global shipping and energy routes are under close scrutiny due to ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region.
Safe transit confirmed by Shipping Ministry
Officials from the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways confirmed that the two Indian-flagged LPG carriers were granted safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian authorities.
Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary in the Shipping Ministry, said the vessels crossed the waterway late on Sunday night or early Monday morning before proceeding towards India.
According to him, the two ships together are carrying approximately 92,700 metric tonnes of LPG.
He also confirmed that all Indian seafarers operating in the Persian Gulf region are safe.
“All Indian seafarers in the Persian Gulf region are safe, and no untoward incidents involving them have been reported in the last 24 hours,” he said.
The official further stated that there are currently 24 Indian-flagged vessels operating in the Persian Gulf region. With the departure of Shivalik and Nanda Devi, 22 such vessels remain in the area.
These ships together have about 611 Indian seafarers onboard.
Strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most critical maritime chokepoints in the world. It connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea and serves as a major transit route for global oil and gas shipments.
Nearly 20 per cent of the world’s oil trade passes through this narrow waterway.
Any disruption to shipping through the strait can have a direct impact on global energy supplies and fuel prices.
In recent weeks, tensions in West Asia have raised concerns about the safety of shipping routes in the region, prompting several countries to closely monitor the situation.
For India, which imports a large share of its crude oil and LPG requirements, uninterrupted maritime access through the Strait of Hormuz remains critical for energy security.
India engaging diplomatically with Iran
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar recently confirmed that India is actively engaging with Iran to ensure continued movement of ships through the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking in an interview with the Financial Times UK, Jaishankar said India believes that dialogue and coordination with Tehran are the best ways to address the issue.
He noted that diplomatic efforts are already producing some positive outcomes.
“Certainly, from India’s perspective, it is better that we reason and coordinate and get a solution rather than not engage,” Jaishankar said.
He also pointed out that the successful transit of the LPG carriers Shivalik and Nanda Devi demonstrates progress achieved through diplomatic engagement.
However, the minister clarified that there is currently no blanket arrangement allowing all Indian vessels to pass through the strait automatically.
Instead, each ship’s transit is being handled individually on a case-by-case basis.
Iran reassures safe passage for Indian ships
Iranian officials have also reiterated that Indian vessels will be allowed to pass through the strategic waterway.
Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi, the representative of Iran’s Supreme Leader in India, confirmed Tehran’s position during an interaction with media.
When asked whether Indian ships would be allowed to cross the Strait of Hormuz, he replied affirmatively.
“I heard that our embassy tried to provide an opportunity for some Indian ships to cross the Strait of Hormuz,” he said.
The reassurance has provided some relief amid concerns about disruptions to shipping in the region.
India closely monitoring maritime routes
Authorities in India are continuing to closely monitor developments in the Persian Gulf and surrounding maritime routes.
Government officials have emphasised that the safety of Indian seafarers and the uninterrupted flow of energy supplies remain top priorities.
The successful arrival of Shivalik and the expected docking of Nanda Devi highlight the importance of diplomatic coordination and careful monitoring of global shipping lanes.
Conclusion
The safe transit of Indian LPG carriers through the Strait of Hormuz provides a positive development at a time of heightened geopolitical tension in West Asia. While diplomatic engagement has helped ensure the passage of key vessels, officials say discussions are continuing to secure stable and uninterrupted maritime movement in the region.
For India, maintaining access to critical shipping routes like the Strait of Hormuz remains essential for protecting its energy supplies and maritime trade.