New Delhi: India on Friday asserted that the Strait of Hormuz remains an international waterway where no permission is required for transit, even as several Indian-flagged tankers successfully crossed the crucial maritime route amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
The clarification comes amid concerns over whether India had sought clearance from Iran for the movement of vessels carrying essential energy supplies.
‘No Permission Required’: Government Clarifies
Responding to questions, Rajesh Kumar Singh, Special Secretary at the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, rejected claims that India needed approval from Tehran.
“No permission is needed to sail through the strait. There is freedom for navigation,” he said.
He explained that while the strait is narrow and has designated entry and exit lanes, these are governed by international maritime conventions and not by unilateral control.
Singh added that decisions on sailing are taken by shipping companies and charterers based on safety assessments, not political approvals.
Indian Tankers Navigate Conflict Zone
Despite heightened tensions, multiple Indian vessels have crossed the strait without incident in recent days.
Two LPG tankers—Jag Vasant and Pine Gas—are currently en route to India carrying a combined 92,612 tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG):
- Jag Vasant is expected to reach Kandla, Gujarat
- Pine Gas is headed to New Mangalore port
Around 60 Indian sailors are on board the two ships.
22 Indian Vessels Still in the Region
According to officials, 22 Indian-flagged vessels remain in the conflict zone:
- 20 vessels on the western side of the strait
- 2 vessels on the eastern side
These include:
- 5 LPG tankers carrying ~2.3 lakh tonnes
- 1 LNG tanker
- 4 crude oil tankers
- 3 container ships
- 2 bulk carriers
- 3 vessels under maintenance
Overall, nearly 500 ships are currently operating or stranded in the Persian Gulf region.
Context: Rising Tensions in the Gulf
Since early March, Iran has restricted movement through the strait for vessels it considers linked to its adversaries, following attacks involving the United States and Israel. Reports of strikes on ships have heightened global concerns over energy security and maritime safety.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes, handling a significant share of global energy shipments. Any disruption has immediate implications for global markets, including India, which depends heavily on imported oil and gas.