2 India-Bound Ships Cross Hormuz After 4 Rounds Of Phone Calls, PM's Outreach

Two Indian-flagged LPG tankers belonging to the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), the Shivalik and the Nanda Devi, successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz today and are now bound for India. Sources describe the transit as a "very careful operation" conducted with the cooperation of Iran and other regional powers.

The passage follows intensive diplomatic efforts between New Delhi and Tehran. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has held four rounds of talks with his Iranian counterpart, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, since the crisis began in late February. On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also held high-level discussions with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to secure the safe transit of Indian vessels.

The Shivalik is carrying approximately 40,000 metric tons of gas, while the Nanda Devi is also transporting a significant volume of fuel. Their successful crossing comes just a day after another vessel sailing to India crossed the strategic narrow sea lane between Iran and Oman.

Currently, India is working to secure safe passage for over two dozen other Indian-flagged merchant vessels still stationed on either side of the Strait. Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary in the Ministry of Shipping, confirmed during a media briefing that another Indian-flagged tanker, the Jag Prakash, carrying gasoline from Oman to Africa, has also set sail from the eastern side of the Strait.

During his conversation with Pezeshkian, PM Modi expressed deep concern over escalating hostilities and the loss of civilian lives. “The safety and security of Indian nationals, along with the need for unhindered transit of goods and energy, remain India's top priority," he posted on X.

Around 23,000 Indian seafarers are working across merchant, harbour and offshore vessels in the wider Gulf region. Live updates here.

Since strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran in late February ignited the Middle East war, the Islamic Republic has launched its own attacks against its oil-exporting neighbours.

The Strait of Hormuz is a vital global artery, accounting for nearly a fifth of the world's oil supplies. However, shipping has been severely disrupted since the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran on February 28, triggering retaliatory strikes from Tehran against its oil-exporting neighbours.

The volatility was underscored on Wednesday when a Thai-flagged cargo vessel, bound for Kandla port in Gujarat, was attacked shortly after departing from a port in the United Arab Emirates.