New Delhi: Amid rising tensions between Iran and the United States, India has managed to safely move some vessels through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a route that remains under severe stress due to the ongoing regional conflict.
According to the Shipping Ministry, a Marshall Islands flagged crude oil tanker named Nissos Keros safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz on the night of May 25 and 26. The vessel is carrying nearly 2,70,000 metric tonnes of crude oil and is expected to reach Visakhapatnam on June 3, 2026. Officials said all crew members on board the vessel are foreign nationals.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy corridors. Nearly one fifth of global oil and energy supplies pass through this narrow route. Any disruption in this area immediately affects crude prices, shipping schedules, insurance costs and energy security for importing countries such as India.
Shipping Ministry Director Opesh Kumar Sharma said that, due to security reasons, officials cannot publicly share the exact details of how coordination with Iran is being managed. However, he said the process is being handled through the Ministry of External Affairs. He also said decisions on which vessel should move first are taken in consultation with the Petroleum Ministry and the Fertilizer Ministry.
On concerns related to ship tracking data being visible on commercial applications, Sharma said these are public platforms that anyone can access. He added that the same data is also helping authorities monitor vessel movement. Officials also maintained that Indian seafarers in the region are safe and no untoward incident involving any Indian sailor on an Indian or foreign flagged merchant ship has been reported.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that, according to available information, 11 Indian ships are still in the Persian Gulf region, while 14 ships have already crossed the Strait of Hormuz and returned to India.
The development comes at a time when Iran and the United States are reportedly discussing an unofficial draft framework to ease the crisis. Reuters reported that the proposed understanding includes restoring commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz to pre war levels within a month, while the United States would withdraw military forces from the area and lift a naval blockade. However, the draft is not final and Iran has said it will not act without tangible verification.
For India, the safe passage of energy vessels is a matter of direct national interest. With crude oil, LPG and fertiliser supplies depending heavily on West Asian sea routes, New Delhi is likely to continue quiet diplomatic coordination to protect its shipping and energy security.