The Indian LPG carrier ‘Shivalik’ has successfully docked at Mundra Port in Gujarat, transporting approximately 40,000 metric tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas. The tanker reached the port on Monday evening after making a safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime route for oil shipments, in the early hours of the day. In anticipation of the vessel’s arrival, Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary at the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, confirmed that arrangements for documentation and priority berthing have been established to facilitate prompt cargo discharge.

Additional Shipments on the Horizon

Sinha further announced that another vessel, ‘Nanda Devi,’ carrying LPG, is expected to arrive at Mundra Port the following day. Additionally, the Indian-flagged vessel ‘Jag Laadki,’ which departed from the UAE, is in transit to India with a cargo of around 81,000 tonnes of Murban crude oil. The ministry official affirmed that all Indian seafarers stationed in the Persian Gulf area remain safe, with no incidents reported in the past 24 hours. Currently, there are 22 Indian-flagged vessels operating in the Persian Gulf, manned by a total of 611 seafarers.

Diplomatic Efforts to Ensure Safe Passage

In light of escalating tensions in West Asia, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar advocated for direct dialogue with Tehran to effectively restore maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. During an interview with the Financial Times UK, he expressed that India is actively engaging with Iran to secure the reopening of this vital waterway, which is critical for nearly 20 percent of the world’s oil trade. Jaishankar indicated that these diplomatic efforts are beginning to show promising outcomes, underscoring the importance of continued dialogue as opposed to disengagement.

Ongoing Maritime Safety Initiatives

Jaishankar highlighted the arrival of the ‘Shivalik’ and ‘Nanda Devi’ as evidence of the effectiveness of India’s diplomatic strategy. The two tankers collectively carry an estimated total of 92,712 metric tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas. However, he clarified that a comprehensive arrangement for all Indian-flagged vessels has not yet been implemented, and transit is currently being coordinated on a case-by-case basis.

Regional Security Concerns

Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, stated that while the Strait of Hormuz is open, it remains inaccessible to nations considered adversaries of Iran, particularly those he deemed responsible for aggressive actions against the country. Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei elaborated that safe passage through the strait would be regulated under specific conditions due to perceived threats from the US and Israel. He highlighted Iran’s commitment to ensuring national security and remarked that any necessary actions would be taken to prevent hostile activities in the region. Historical context was referenced by Baghaei, who affirmatively noted Iran’s role as a longstanding guardian of maritime safety in the Strait of Hormuz.

Continued Conflict in the Region

As the conflict in West Asia extends into its third week, hostilities between US and Israeli forces and Iranian entities have intensified. Reports indicate ongoing bombardment in Iranian territories, with consequential damage noted in various locations within Israel. These developments signal the complexity and volatility of the geopolitical landscape in the region.

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