India Explores Diplomatic Options with Iran to Ensure Safe Passage for Tankers through Strait of Hormuz

According to sources familiar with the developments, the Government of India is closely monitoring the movement of the vessels, which are carrying crude oil and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Around 198 Indian seafarers are onboard the nine tankers awaiting clearance to transit one of the world’s most critical energy shipping lanes.     The Ministry of External Affairs is expected to initiate discussions with Iranian authorities regarding the safety of Indian seafarers operating in the region. India’s concerns have intensified following the deaths of at least three Indian mariners during attacks on commercial vessels in the Gulf of Oman in June. The security situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains volatile. Although an interim peace agreement between the United States and Iran in June briefly improved vessel movements, recent attacks on ships and fresh U.S. military strikes on Iranian targets have once again heightened tensions and disrupted shipping activity.   Despite the deteriorating security environment, a limited number of vessels continue to transit the strait. However, ship operators remain cautious. One India-flagged very large crude carrier (VLCC), Lila Vadinar, reportedly reversed course after reaching the Musandam Peninsula off Oman, highlighting the growing concerns over navigational safety.      The prolonged instability has also affected India’s energy imports. Since the conflict escalated in late February, only around 50 India-bound vessels have successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz, significantly below normal levels. Indian refiners and energy buyers have yet to fully resume imports of crude oil, LPG and liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Middle Eastern suppliers.   Before the conflict, the Strait of Hormuz handled approximately 40% of India’s crude oil imports, 60% of its LNG imports, and nearly 90% of its LPG supplies, making uninterrupted access through the strategic waterway crucial for the country’s energy security.

The developments underscore India’s growing diplomatic and maritime focus on safeguarding its energy supply chain and ensuring the safety of Indian seafarers amid continuing geopolitical uncertainty in the Gulf region.