External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has said India has not reached a “blanket arrangement” with Iran to ensure the passage of Indian-flagged ships through the Strait of Hormuz, even though diplomatic engagement with Tehran has helped ease the movement of some vessels.
Speaking about the situation in West Asia, Jaishankar said India has been in regular contact with Iran to address concerns related to maritime traffic through the strategic waterway. He noted that discussions with Iranian authorities have produced “some results”, helping certain Indian vessels transit the strait without major disruptions.
However, the minister clarified that India has not secured a broad agreement guaranteeing safe passage for all ships flying the Indian flag. Instead, the government is dealing with the issue on a case-by-case basis through diplomatic coordination and communication with Iranian officials.
Jaishankar said each situation involving Indian vessels is assessed individually, and the government works through diplomatic channels to ensure their safe movement. According to him, India’s engagement with Iran is based on dialogue rather than on any formal or comprehensive arrangement.
The remarks come amid rising tensions in West Asia that have affected shipping activity in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical maritime routes. The narrow waterway connects the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea and carries nearly a fifth of the world’s oil and gas supplies, making it vital for global energy markets.
India, which imports a large share of its crude oil and liquefied petroleum gas from Gulf countries, is closely monitoring developments in the region. Any disruption in shipping through the strait could impact global energy prices and supply chains.
Jaishankar noted that recent diplomatic engagement helped facilitate the passage of at least two Indian-flagged LPG tankers through the strait. He described this as evidence that communication and coordination with Iran can help resolve specific issues involving shipping.
At the same time, he emphasised that different countries have their own equations with Iran, and solutions may vary depending on diplomatic relations and circumstances.
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