The Indian government has clarified that vessels do not require permission from any country to transit through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, even as tensions in West Asia continue to disrupt global shipping routes.
Addressing a media briefing on Tuesday, Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary at the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, dismissed claims that Indian ships stranded in the region needed clearance from Iran. He emphasized that navigation through the narrow corridor—linking the Persian Gulf to open seas—is governed by international maritime conventions.
“No permission is required to sail through the strait,” Sinha said, adding that only designated entry and exit lanes must be followed. He stressed that decisions on whether to transit the route rest solely with shipping companies and charterers, based on safety assessments.
Indian Vessels Resume Movement
Amid the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, several Indian vessels have begun cautiously navigating the volatile waters.
Two Indian-flagged LPG carriers—Pine Gas and Jag Vasant—successfully crossed the strait on Monday, transporting a combined 92,612 tonnes of cooking gas. The shipments are expected to bolster domestic supply, with Pine Gas headed to New Mangalore and Jag Vasant to Kandla.
Earlier, LPG carriers MT Shivalik and MT Nanda Devi had also reached Indian ports safely, while oil tanker Jag Laadki delivered crude from the UAE to Mundra. Another vessel, Jag Prakash, is currently en route to Tanzania after transiting the strait.
Dozens of Ships Still Stranded
At the onset of hostilities, 28 Indian-flagged vessels were operating in the region. While some have since moved to safety, 22 ships remain stranded—20 on the western side of the strait and two on the eastern side—with over 540 seafarers onboard.
The stranded fleet includes LPG carriers, crude oil tankers, a liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker, container ships, bulk carriers, and vessels undergoing maintenance. Notably, the LNG tanker is chartered by Petronet LNG Ltd, while major oil companies such as Indian Oil Corporation and Reliance Industries are managing crude shipments.
Strategic Importance and Supply Risks
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical energy corridors. India depends heavily on this route, with nearly 88% of its crude oil, 50% of natural gas, and 60% of LPG imports passing through it.
Before the conflict escalated, more than half of India’s crude imports came from Gulf nations such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and the UAE. While India has diversified oil sourcing to include Russia, the US, and parts of Africa, disruptions in the strait have significantly impacted gas and LPG supplies.
Analysts suggest that Iran may be allowing selective transit of vessels after verification, with some ships diverting via channels near Larak and Qeshm islands to establish their identity and cargo origin.
With nearly 500 tanker vessels still confined within the Persian Gulf, global energy markets remain on edge as the situation continues to evolve.
