New Delhi: Seven India-bound cargo ships have passed through the Strait of Hormuz in the past 72 hours, even as tensions in West Asia continue to rise, according to official shipping data.
Out of nine India- and foreign-flagged vessels that transited the strategic waterway during the period, seven were carrying cargo destined for India. Four of these ships were India-flagged, while the remaining five sailed under foreign flags.
Officials said a total of 44 India-bound cargo vessels have crossed the Strait of Hormuz since late February, when regional tensions escalated following conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran.
At present, around 15 more ships linked to India are waiting in the Persian Gulf for safe passage through the strait. This includes 10 India-flagged vessels, along with cargo carrying fertilisers and energy products.
Among the recent movements, the India-flagged bulk carrier APJ Priti 2 successfully crossed the strait carrying 65,000 tonnes of fertiliser. A day earlier, crude oil tanker Desh Suraksha transported over one lakh tonnes of crude oil, while another vessel, Prabhu Parvati, carried 18,732 tonnes of cargo through the route.
The latest shipping activity comes amid renewed instability in the region after reported US strikes on Iran and subsequent retaliatory actions. These developments have raised concerns over maritime security in one of the world’s most critical energy corridors.
Data shows that only 19 India-bound transits were recorded between March 1 and mid-June. However, movement increased in the following days after a temporary diplomatic understanding between Iran and the United States.
Maritime monitoring reports indicate that vessels crossing the strait since March include bulk carriers, LPG and crude oil tankers, as well as LNG carriers, reflecting the wide range of energy and commodity shipments dependent on the route.
Despite geopolitical risks, shipping traffic continues to move, though authorities remain alert as more vessels await clearance in the region.
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