India is closely monitoring the movement of oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz as two additional merchant vessels carrying petroleum products were expected to transit the critical waterway on Saturday amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the region.
The development comes against the backdrop of heightened uncertainty following recent hostilities involving the United States and Israel, after which Iran claimed it had “full control” over the Strait. The narrow maritime corridor remains one of the world’s most vital energy routes, accounting for nearly 20 per cent of global petroleum trade.
Sources indicated that Indian Navy warships have been positioned near key ports to assist vessels if required, with further arrivals from the Strait anticipated in the coming days. The deployment is part of precautionary measures to ensure the safe passage of Indian-linked shipping through the region.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the Strait remains open for “friendly nations,” including India, China, Russia, Iraq and Pakistan, despite ongoing restrictions affecting maritime traffic.
The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that four liquefied petroleum gas shipments have already reached India after successfully crossing the Strait. Officials said the government remains in continuous contact with relevant countries and stakeholders to facilitate safe and uninterrupted transit of vessels critical to India’s energy supply.
At a joint inter-ministerial briefing, Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, said there had been no reported incidents involving Indian-flagged vessels or seafarers in the past 24 hours. He added that all personnel operating in the region were safe.
According to the official, around 20 Indian-flagged ships with approximately 540 Indian crew members are currently active in the Persian Gulf region. Authorities have maintained close surveillance of their movements amid the evolving situation.
Sinha also stated that port operations within India continue without disruption. There have been no reports of congestion at major ports, and cargo handling activities are proceeding as scheduled across the country.
However, multiple reports indicate that shipping traffic through the Strait has faced restrictions since the onset of the conflict. Iran is reportedly allowing only limited transit, leading to delays and causing some vessels to remain stranded in the region.
The situation has raised concerns over potential disruptions to global energy supply chains, given the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz. For India, which relies heavily on imported energy, maintaining uninterrupted access through this route remains critical.
Officials said the government will continue to monitor developments closely and coordinate with international partners to safeguard maritime trade routes and ensure energy security as tensions persist in the region.
