Amid rising tensions in the Middle East, India is working diplomatically with Iran to ensure the safety of its oil shipments passing through the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The development comes during the ongoing US–Israel–Iran conflict, which has disrupted global shipping and energy supplies.

Iranian oil flows through Strait of Hormuz even as Gulf neighbors’ exports shut https://t.co/cXCPwi7CVv https://t.co/cXCPwi7CVv

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According to an Indian government source, Tehran has informally assured New Delhi that Indian-flagged tankers will be allowed to safely transit through the Strait. The assurance reportedly followed several telephone conversations between India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar and Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi.

However, an Iranian source outside the country denied that any formal agreement had been reached. Officials on both sides have described the situation as sensitive and evolving, indicating that discussions about shipping safety and energy security are still ongoing.

First Oil Tanker Reaches India During Crisis

Despite the tense security situation, an oil tanker recently completed its journey to India, marking the first successful crude shipment since the conflict began in late February.

The tanker Shenlong Suezmax, which carries Saudi crude oil, arrived at a port in Mumbai after safely passing through the Strait of Hormuz. The vessel is reported to be delivering oil for Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, one of India’s largest state-run energy companies.

The ship’s arrival is being viewed as an important development for India’s energy security, showing that limited oil shipments are still possible despite the regional crisis.

Risks to Indian Ships and Sailors

India currently has a large maritime presence in the region, with several vessels and hundreds of sailors navigating the waters near the Strait of Hormuz. Key facts about India’s shipping presence in the area include:

28 Indian-flagged vessels operating near the Strait
778 Indian sailors are working on these ships
Coordination between ship operators and Indian embassies for safety
Continuous monitoring of maritime security developments

The crisis has also created humanitarian challenges. India recently provided temporary shelter to 183 Iranian sailors whose vessel sought refuge after the conflict intensified.