India is in diplomatic discussions with Iran to secure safe maritime passage for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) shipments through the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz, officials familiar with the matter said. The talks come amid heightened regional tensions that have disrupted shipping flows and raised concerns about energy supplies to the Indian market.
The discussions with Tehran focus on ensuring safe transit for roughly 2.7 lakh tonnes of LPG — cargo critical to India’s energy security — through the narrow waterway, which is a vital conduit for energy supplies from the Middle East. The route has become increasingly risky due to ongoing conflict-related disruptions and security concerns.
Recent developments have seen at least two Indian-flagged LPG carriers safely navigate the strait under case-by-case arrangements, reaching Indian ports with their cargoes. These movements followed diplomatic engagement by New Delhi with Iranian authorities, signalling both sides’ interest in maintaining energy supplies despite broader geopolitical tensions.
While no formal, blanket agreement guaranteeing guaranteed safe passage for all Indian vessels has been announced, India’s External Affairs Minister has noted progress in talks with Iran, and Tehran has signalled its willingness to facilitate transit for select carriers.
Indian officials stress that securing reliable shipping access through the Strait of Hormuz is crucial, as a significant portion of the country’s LPG and oil imports normally transit this route. Disruptions here could pose challenges to energy logistics and supply continuity.
As negotiations continue, India is also monitoring broader security developments in the region, balancing its diplomatic engagements to protect its trade and energy interests without escalating tensions further.
