Two India-Bound LPG Tankers Safely Cross Strait Of Hormuz After Diplomatic Talks
Two India-flagged LPG tankers have successfully crossed the strategic Strait of Hormuz and are now heading towards India amid rising tensions in the Middle East.
The ships, Shivalik and Nanda Devi, are operated by the Shipping Corporation of India.
According to NDTV, the passage of these ships was carried out carefully with cooperation from regional authorities, including Iran, to ensure safe transit through the busy and sensitive sea route.
The successful movement of the vessels came after a series of diplomatic discussions between Indian and Iranian leaders. S. Jaishankar held four rounds of phone conversations with his Iranian counterpart Seyed Abbas Araghchi on February 28, March 5, March 10 and March 12.
In addition, Narendra Modi also spoke with Masoud Pezeshkian to discuss the situation in the region and ensure the safety of Indian ships and seafarers.
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During the conversation, Prime Minister Modi expressed concern over the escalating conflict and stressed that the safety of Indian nationals and the uninterrupted movement of energy supplies remain a top priority for India.
One of the tankers, Shivalik, is carrying approximately 40,000 metric tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). The second vessel, Nanda Devi, is also transporting a large quantity of gas supplies to India.
These shipments are considered important for energy supply chains, especially at a time when tensions in the Gulf region have disrupted shipping routes.
Officials say that over two dozen Indian-flagged merchant ships have been stationed around the Strait of Hormuz after the conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran escalated in recent weeks.
In total, around 28 Indian-flagged vessels were reported to be waiting near the strategic waterway as security risks increased following missile and drone attacks in the region.
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Another vessel, Jag Prakash, also operated by the Shipping Corporation of India, recently sailed from east of the Strait carrying gasoline from Oman to African destinations.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes. Nearly 20 per cent of the world’s oil supply normally passes through this narrow channel between Iran and Oman.
However, the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has raised fears about shipping disruptions and global energy supply risks.
Recently, a cargo ship heading to Kandla port in Gujarat was also reportedly attacked near the Strait shortly after leaving a port in the United Arab Emirates.
Officials say that nearly 23,000 Indian seafarers are currently working across merchant ships, harbour vessels and offshore platforms in the wider Gulf region.
(With inputs from NDTV)
