Iran will allow Indian-flagged oil tankers to transit the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for about 40% of India’s crude imports, an Indian government source said on Thursday. However, an Iranian source outside the country denied that any formal agreement had been reached.
India, the world’s third-largest oil consumer, confirmed that foreign ministers from the two countries had spoken three times in recent days, with the latest conversation focusing on maritime safety and energy supplies.
“Beyond that, it would be premature for me to say anything,” Indian foreign ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told a weekly press briefing.
The Indian source, who was briefed on the matter but not authorised to speak publicly, said Tehran had informally assured safe passage for Indian-flagged vessels after a phone call late on Tuesday between India’s Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Iran’s Seyed Abbas Araghchi.
However, the Iranian source said the issue remained sensitive and denied that any formal arrangement had been finalised.
First Tanker Arrival
On Thursday, the Suezmax tanker Shenlong, carrying Saudi crude, arrived at port in Mumbai after transiting the strait. According to LSEG data, the Liberia-flagged vessel was the first crude carrier to reach India from the Middle East since war broke out in late February between the United States, Israel, and Iran.
The cargo was reportedly destined for state-run Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, though the company did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The Indian source added that two additional foreign-flagged tankers believed to be bound for India had recently transited the strait. The source cautioned, however, that the situation remains fluid, with uncertainty over how directives are being communicated within Iran’s administrative and military structure.
Following the latest talks, Iran’s foreign ministry said the United States should be held responsible for the “insecure situation and problems arising for shipping” in the Persian Gulf, but it did not mention any agreement allowing Indian vessels safe passage.
Indian Sailors and Escalating Maritime Risk
India said on Wednesday that 28 Indian-flagged vessels were operating on both sides of the Strait of Hormuz, carrying 778 Indian sailors.
“Authorities, ship managers and recruitment agencies are coordinating closely with Indian embassies and local authorities to ensure safety and provide assistance to Indian seafarers,” the Indian petroleum ministry said.
New Delhi has also provided safe harbour to 183 Iranian sailors whose vessel docked after the conflict erupted.
India had earlier permitted three Iranian ships returning from a naval exercise in the Bay of Bengal to dock. One of those vessels was later sunk by a U.S. submarine in international waters, while another sought assistance from Sri Lanka.
Attacks on Shipping
Since the war began in late February, Iran has attacked at least 16 ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, escalating fears of a wider disruption to global oil flows.
Tehran has warned that oil prices could surge to nearly $200 a barrel if the conflict intensifies.
On Wednesday, a Thai vessel heading toward Kandla Port was attacked in the strait, drawing condemnation from New Delhi.
“India deplores the fact that commercial shipping is being made a target of military attacks in the ongoing conflict,” the foreign ministry said, adding that Indian citizens had also been killed.
The near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz has forced India to look for alternatives, including increased crude purchases from Russia.
With information from Reuters.
