External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Sunday said that Iran’s decision to allow two Indian-flagged gas carriers to pass through the conflict-affected Strait of Hormuz demonstrated that diplomatic engagement between India and Iran had produced positive results. His remarks came after Tehran permitted the transit of the vessels through the crucial maritime chokepoint despite the ongoing tensions in the region.
The development is considered significant because Iran had earlier restricted movement through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow but strategically vital waterway through which a large share of the world’s energy supplies passes. However, India was granted permission to move its oil and gas tankers through the route, highlighting the effectiveness of diplomatic communication between the two countries.
Two LPG carriers, named Shivalik and Nanda Devi, carrying a combined cargo of around 92,712 metric tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas, successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday while heading towards India. Nearly 20 percent of the global oil supply passes through this maritime corridor, making it one of the most critical energy routes in the world. In an interview with the Financial Times, Jaishankar said that the safe passage of these ships illustrated the benefits of continued diplomatic engagement and coordination.
He stated that from India’s perspective, it was always preferable to engage in dialogue, coordinate efforts, and find practical solutions through diplomacy rather than avoid communication altogether. Jaishankar’s remarks also highlighted the ongoing discussions between New Delhi and Tehran amid rising tensions in the Gulf region.
According to reports, Jaishankar has spoken with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi four times since Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz following the escalation of conflict in the region. The Strait serves as the only maritime passage connecting the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea, making it a critical route for global oil and gas transportation.
Apart from India, other countries such as China and Russia have also reportedly secured similar arrangements with Iran that allow their vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz during the ongoing Gulf conflict.
During the interview, Jaishankar clarified that there was no comprehensive or permanent arrangement guaranteeing passage for all Indian ships through the Strait. He also said that India had not offered anything in exchange for the permission granted by Iran. Instead, he emphasised that the decision was based on the longstanding relationship between the two countries.
He noted that the situation remained fluid and that further discussions would continue because several Indian ships were still present in the region. While the successful passage of the two gas carriers was encouraging, Jaishankar said that more work remained to ensure the safe movement of other vessels.
When asked whether European countries could adopt a similar approach to secure safe passage for their ships, Jaishankar said that each nation’s relationship with Iran is unique and should be assessed on its own terms. Because of these differences, direct comparisons between countries may not always be meaningful. However, he added that India would be willing to share its diplomatic approach with European nations if required.
Jaishankar’s remarks also came at a time when former US President Donald Trump was reportedly preparing to announce a multinational coalition aimed at escorting commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz. The move comes as Iran continues to respond to military actions carried out by the United States and Israel in the region.
Earlier, Iran’s Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, had also indicated that some Indian ships had been allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz despite the conflict in the Middle East. Speaking at the India Today Conclave 2026, he said the decision was influenced by the longstanding friendship and mutual interests shared by India and Iran.
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran after military strikes by the United States and Israel has raised serious concerns about global energy security. Countries across Asia, particularly large import-dependent economies such as India and China, rely heavily on the route for the transportation of oil and gas supplies.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy corridors, handling roughly one-fifth of global oil shipments as well as significant volumes of liquefied natural gas. Disruptions in the waterway have already caused global oil prices to rise sharply, with crude prices crossing the $100-per-barrel mark.
India’s domestic energy market has also been closely watching the developments. The country is the world’s fourth-largest importer of liquefied natural gas and the second-largest consumer of LPG, which is widely used for cooking in households. A significant portion of this fuel is imported from Middle Eastern producers and transported through the Strait of Hormuz.
With LPG shipments facing pressure due to disruptions in maritime routes, the Indian government has taken steps to prioritise gas allocation for essential sectors such as households and transportation. These measures aim to ensure that basic energy needs continue to be met even during supply disruptions.
However, the tightening supply situation has begun to affect certain industries that rely heavily on LPG and other gas-based fuels. Restaurants and manufacturers of gas-dependent products, including ceramic tiles and other industrial goods, have reported shortages in several parts of the country. Industry groups have warned that prolonged disruptions could slow production and affect industrial output.
Despite these concerns, the central government has repeatedly assured citizens that there is no shortage of LPG cylinders in the country. Authorities have urged people not to panic or engage in unnecessary stockpiling, stating that India currently has sufficient reserves and supply arrangements in place to meet domestic demand even as tensions continue to affect shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz.
