At least 15 Indian-flagged vessels remain stranded west of the Strait of Hormuz following a sharp escalation in regional tensions triggered by the United States’ announcement of a blockade targeting Iranian ports and coastal areas. The disruption comes in the aftermath of failed ceasefire talks, significantly impacting one of the world’s most critical maritime energy corridors.
The affected fleet includes a mix of LNG and LPG carriers, crude oil tankers, container vessels, a dredger, and a chemical tanker, all caught in a slowdown of maritime movement as shipping activity in the region dropped sharply after the US directive. Although transit through the Strait of Hormuz for non-Iranian routes has not been formally halted, uncertainty and security concerns have led to reduced crossings and operational delays.
In response to the evolving situation, the Indian Navy has stepped up coordination with merchant vessels operating in the region. At least six naval ships are currently deployed near the Persian Gulf, providing communication support, monitoring developments, and issuing safe passage advisories to commercial ships navigating the volatile zone.
Some vessels have managed to transit safely. For instance, the LPG tanker Jag Vikram crossed the strait on April 11 and is now en route to Mumbai, carrying approximately 20,400 tonnes of LPG with a crew of 24. It is currently being escorted in the Arabian Sea. Officials have indicated that 10 out of 25 Indian-flagged vessels operating in the broader region have already cleared the chokepoint without incident.
Despite the heightened tensions, there has been no change in India’s naval deployment strategy, with operations continuing under established protocols. Authorities are maintaining continuous surveillance and have flagged nearly 30 security-related incidents in the Gulf region in recent weeks, highlighting the fragile security environment.
India is also coordinating closely with 28 countries to share real-time maritime intelligence, aiming to ensure safer navigation and minimise risks to commercial shipping. These efforts are crucial as disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz—through which a significant portion of global oil trade passes—can have immediate consequences for energy supply chains, freight costs, and global markets.
The situation remains tense, with Iranian officials warning of possible countermeasures if maritime restrictions intensify. As geopolitical uncertainty persists, the stranded vessels underscore the broader vulnerability of global shipping routes to regional conflicts and strategic chokepoints.
