Iran Designates India as 'Friendly Nation' for Strait of Hormuz Transit
Iran has officially announced that it is allowing vessels from a select group of "friendly nations," including India, to transit the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, even as restrictions remain in place for other countries amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia. This statement from Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi formalizes earlier diplomatic indications and highlights a calibrated approach to maritime access in the tense region.
Operational Updates and Successful Transits
In recent developments, at least four Indian-flagged tankers have successfully navigated the strait following high-level engagements between New Delhi and Tehran. Providing an operational update, Shipping Ministry official Rajesh Kumar Sinha confirmed that around 20 Indian-flagged vessels are currently in the region, with six LPG-laden tankers expected to be in transit over the next few days. "Their movement is being closely monitored. In 3–4 days, we will have six loaded LPG tankers," he stated during an inter-ministerial briefing.
The government has reassured on maritime safety, noting that all Indian seafarers in the area are safe and no incidents involving Indian-flagged vessels have been reported recently. Specifically, two Indian LPG carriers—Pine Gas and Jag Vasant—successfully crossed the strait and are en route to India. Pine Gas, carrying approximately 45,000 metric tonnes of LPG, is scheduled to reach New Mangalore on March 27, while Jag Vasant, with over 47,600 metric tonnes, is due to arrive at Kandla on March 26.
Strategic and Economic Implications for India
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical artery for global energy supplies, and disruptions have occurred since the outbreak of hostilities, with Iran imposing selective restrictions based on geopolitical alignments. Officials in Tehran have maintained that countries perceived as "non-hostile" or those maintaining cooperative ties, such as China, Russia, India, Iraq, and Pakistan, would be facilitated passage.
For India, this development carries significant economic and strategic weight. A substantial portion of its crude oil and LNG imports passes through this narrow corridor, making uninterrupted access essential for energy security. The government has reported that India's maritime sector continues to function without disruption, with no congestion at major ports. State maritime boards across Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry have confirmed normal operations.
Enhanced Logistics and Safety Measures
To ease logistics amid the evolving situation, authorities at Kamarajar Port have granted an extended free storage period of up to 40 days for cars bound for the Gulf, along with additional storage space. Following the recent transits, approximately 20 Indian-flagged vessels with around 540 Indian seafarers remain deployed in the western Persian Gulf region. The Directorate General of Shipping is maintaining close coordination with ship owners, recruitment agencies, and Indian missions to monitor safety and operational developments.
The Ministry emphasized that it continues to closely track shipping movements, port operations, and the safety of Indian seafarers as the situation in West Asia evolves, ensuring that maritime trade remains uninterrupted. This proactive approach underscores India's commitment to safeguarding its economic interests and maintaining stability in key global trade routes.
