The Indian government has clarified that vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz do so without requiring permission from Iran or any other country, amid ongoing tensions in West Asia. A senior government official emphasized that commercial shipping movements are decided by shipping companies based on safety considerations and international navigation conventions.
Rajesh Kumar Singh, Special Secretary at the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, stated that the Strait of Hormuz, the crucial waterway connecting the Persian Gulf with open oceans, is open for navigation under international law. He dismissed reports suggesting that Indian vessels stranded in the Persian Gulf need to reach an agreement with Iran to transit the strait.
The official explained that the decision to navigate through the narrow channel is made by shipping companies and their charterers, considering safety and other factors. “No permission is required,” Singh affirmed during a media briefing, adding that the movement of ships is governed by international conventions, with demarcated entry and exit lanes.
Amid the ongoing conflict sparked by US and Israeli military strikes against Iran, and Tehran’s retaliatory actions targeting US bases, maritime traffic through the region has slowed significantly. However, Singh confirmed that two Indian-flagged LPG tankers recently crossed the strait and are en route to Indian ports, expected to arrive between March 26 and 27.
The LPG carriers, Pine Gas and Jag Vasant, are carrying approximately 92,612 tonnes of LPG—enough for about a day’s supply of cooking gas for India. They traversed waters between Iran’s Larak and Qeshm islands, likely to establish their identity with Iranian authorities before crossing the strait.
These vessels are among 22 Indian-flagged ships stranded in the Persian Gulf since the conflict intensified. Previously, vessels MT Shivalik and MT Nanda Devi successfully reached Indian shores, with others like Jag Laadki and Jag Prakash also making safe passage.
Originally, 28 Indian vessels were stranded when hostilities broke out, with 24 on the West side of the strait and four on the East. In recent days, vessels from both sides have managed to transit safely, including LPG carriers and oil tankers.
India’s imports heavily rely on the region, with about 88% of crude oil, 50% of natural gas, and 60% of LPG coming through the Strait of Hormuz. The conflict has caused disruptions, particularly in gas and LPG supplies, despite partial offsets from alternative sources such as Russia and the US.
Experts suggest Iran may be selectively allowing vessels to transit after verification of ownership and cargo, ensuring that only vessels deemed acceptable are permitted through the strait during this tense period.