New Delhi: Two India-flagged LPG tankers belonging to the Shipping Corporation of India have successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz and are now heading toward India after days of uncertainty in the region.
The vessels, named Shivalik and Nanda Devi, passed through the narrow maritime corridor following careful coordination involving regional authorities. The operation was conducted with the cooperation of Iran and other nations in the area to ensure safe navigation through one of the world’s most sensitive shipping routes.
The movement of the tankers comes after a series of diplomatic engagements between India and Iran aimed at securing safe passage for vessels operating in the Gulf. S. Jaishankar held multiple rounds of phone discussions with his Iranian counterpart Seyed Abbas Araghchi since the escalation of tensions in the Middle East.
Shipping activity in the region had been severely disrupted after the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran, prompting retaliatory actions that affected maritime traffic. Hundreds of ships, including about 28 India-flagged vessels, were temporarily stranded on both sides of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial sea lane connecting the Gulf to the Arabian Sea.
The successful passage of the two LPG carriers follows the earlier movement of another Indian-flagged vessel through the same route. Authorities confirmed that the oil tanker Jag Prakash, carrying gasoline from Oman to Africa, has also departed from the eastern side of the strait and resumed its journey.
Officials said India continues to closely monitor the safety of its maritime fleet in the region. The Gulf remains a critical hub for global energy trade and commercial shipping.
Around 23,000 Indian seafarers are currently working across merchant, harbour and offshore vessels operating in the wider Gulf region. The government has been coordinating with shipping companies and regional partners to ensure their safety while maintaining the flow of essential cargo to and from India.
