On February 1, 2025, Iran conveyed reassurance to its Indian partners regarding the safety of fuel tankers navigating the Strait of Hormuz. The Iranian Embassy in India stated that “our Indian friends are in safe hands,” citing a tweet by Iran’s Embassy in South Africa. This tweet stressed the sovereign control of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran and Oman, asserting that only these two nations would govern the future of this crucial waterway.

With ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, Iran has reportedly taken a selective approach in imposing restrictions in the Strait. Notably, India remains one of the few countries whose cargo vessels have been permitted passage during these times of heightened tension.

Safe Transits for Indian Vessels

Since the announcement of the Iranian blockade in early March, six Indian-flagged fuel carriers have successfully transited through the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian officials have clarified that the strait only remains closed to ships perceived as “enemies,” a term that reportedly includes the United States and its allies in the region. The blockade has led to increased global fuel prices and raised concerns over the stability of international supply chains.

Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, mentioned in a recent state media report that Iran has been in contact with various countries for securing safe passage for their shipping vessels. He highlighted cooperative efforts with nations such as India, China, Russia, Pakistan, and Iraq, which are categorised as “friendly” countries seeking safe transit for their commercial shipping interests.

These communications appear critical in maintaining the flow of maritime trade through the strategically significant Strait of Hormuz, which is vital to global energy supplies.

India’s Diplomatic Position

India has responded to speculation regarding a toll-like arrangement with Iran by denying any such negotiations for the approval of Indian-flagged vessels. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that the country is actively engaged with regional stakeholders to ensure unobstructed shipping routes. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasised the government’s outreach in maintaining safe transit for its vessels.

During a press briefing, Jaiswal mentioned that ongoing discussions have yielded positive outcomes, allowing six Indian vessels to safely navigate the Strait of Hormuz in recent days. This level of cooperation highlights India’s commitment to ensuring the safety of its maritime operations amid increasing geopolitical tensions.

Continued dialogue with Iran and other regional players is viewed as essential for the smooth functioning of trade routes crucial for Indian commercial interests, as the country seeks to mitigate potential adversities stemming from the blockade.

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