New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has said that India’s ongoing dialogue with Iran is producing positive outcomes as New Delhi works to ensure the safe movement of ships through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking about the situation, Jaishankar noted that direct engagement with Tehran has proven to be the most effective approach to address the disruption of shipping routes in the region. He explained that India believes continued coordination and dialogue are more productive than disengagement, especially while trying to maintain the flow of energy supplies vital to the country.
The minister said that discussions with Iranian authorities are ongoing and have already shown encouraging results. India’s diplomatic efforts are aimed at ensuring that cargo vessels carrying essential energy supplies can safely pass through the critical maritime corridor.
As an example of progress achieved through these talks, Jaishankar pointed to the recent transit of two Indian flagged LPG carriers, Shivalik and Nanda Devi, which successfully passed through the Strait on Saturday. Together, the vessels were carrying more than 92,000 metric tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas and are heading towards Indian ports including Mundra Port and Kandla Port.
Jaishankar clarified that India has not reached any broad agreement with Iran regarding the movement of its vessels. Instead, each case is being handled individually as authorities work to ensure safe passage for ships navigating the sensitive waterway.
The situation in the region has become tense following warnings from Donald Trump that the United States could carry out additional strikes on Iran’s Kharg Island. He also called on several countries to deploy naval forces to help secure the shipping route.
India’s diplomatic engagement also follows a recent conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian regarding the safe movement of goods and energy supplies.
The Strait of Hormuz handles nearly one fifth of global oil and gas shipments, making its stability crucial for international energy markets and for major import dependent economies such as India.
