Safe Passage Secured: Indian Vessels Transit Strait of Hormuz

Indian LPG Tankers Shivalik and Nanda Devi Safely Exit Strait of Hormuz Amid Middle East Tensions​

Indian-Flagged LPG Vessels Cross Key Energy Shipping Route​

New Delhi, March 14: Two Indian-flagged liquefied petroleum gas tankers have safely crossed the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz after Iran granted safe passage to Indian vessels amid escalating tensions linked to the US-Israel war.

Government sources confirmed on Saturday that the LPG tanker Shivalik has successfully exited the narrow waterway and entered open sea. The vessel is currently being escorted by the Indian Navy and is expected to reach an Indian port within the next two days. Mumbai or Kandla is likely to be its destination.

The ship is sailing safely under the guidance of naval assets deployed in the region to ensure secure transit through the sensitive maritime corridor.

Nanda Devi Also Clears the Strait Carrying Critical Energy Cargo​

The second Indian-flagged LPG carrier, Nanda Devi, has also safely exited the Strait of Hormuz.

According to sources, the vessel is transporting more than 46,000 metric tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas, a key component of India's energy supply chain. Both ships are being closely guided by naval resources to ensure safe movement through the high-risk waters.

Diplomatic Engagement Facilitates Safe Passage​

The development follows a high-level discussion between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, which focused on ensuring the continued movement of goods and energy supplies through the region.

Iran’s Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, earlier indicated that Indian vessels could receive safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz despite rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East that had disrupted shipping through the route.

"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 added that the Indian government had supported Iran in several areas following the conflict.

Iran Allows Selected Ships Through the Strait​

The ambassador’s remarks came shortly after Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi stated that Tehran had permitted ships from certain countries to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

The narrow maritime corridor is one of the most critical global energy chokepoints, with around 20 per cent of the world's oil and gas exports moving through it.

Indian Ships and Crew in the Persian Gulf Being Monitored​

According to the Ministry of Ports and Shipping, the number of Indian-flagged vessels operating in the Persian Gulf region remains unchanged at 28.

Authorities are actively monitoring the safety and security of all ships and their crew members.

Of these vessels:

• 24 ships are located west of the Strait of Hormuz, carrying 677 Indian seafarers
• 4 vessels are positioned east of the strait, with 101 Indian seafarers on board

Officials said naval and maritime agencies continue to track the movement of these vessels to ensure their safe passage amid the evolving regional situation.