India’s second LPG carrier, Nanda Devi, has safely passed through the Strait of Hormuz, days after another Indian-flagged tanker, Shivalik, navigated the same critical route during heightened tensions linked to the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran.
The development follows assurances from Tehran that vessels from friendly countries would be allowed to transit the strategically important waterway. The assurance came after discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on maintaining the movement of energy supplies and goods.
Government sources said Shivalik is currently being escorted by the Indian Navy and is expected to arrive at an Indian port within the next two days. Mumbai or Kandla are likely destinations. The vessel has already moved into open waters and continues its journey under naval protection.
Meanwhile, the second tanker, Nanda Devi, is transporting more than 46,000 metric tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), an important component of India’s domestic energy supply chain. Sources said naval assets are closely coordinating with the vessels to ensure their safe movement through the sensitive maritime corridor.
Iran signals safe passage for friendly countries
On Friday, Iran’s Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, suggested that Indian ships could receive safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz despite the regional tensions.
“Yes, because India is our friend. You will see it within two or three hours. We believe that Iran and India share common interests in the region,” Fathali said.
He also noted that India had extended support to Iran in various areas following the outbreak of the conflict.
The ambassador’s remarks came shortly after Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi indicated that ships belonging to some countries had been allowed to cross the waterway.
Why the Strait of Hormuz matters
The Strait of Hormuz is considered one of the most important maritime choke points in the world. Nearly 20 per cent of global oil and gas shipments move through this narrow passage between the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea.
According to the Ministry of Ports and Shipping, there are currently 28 Indian-flagged vessels operating in the Persian Gulf region, and authorities are keeping a close watch on all ships and crew.
Of these, 24 vessels with 677 Indian seafarers were positioned west of the Strait of Hormuz, while four ships carrying 101 Indian crew members were located east of the strait.
Government officials said the situation is being monitored closely to ensure the safety of Indian sailors and uninterrupted energy supplies.