Two India-flagged LPG tankers cross Strait of Hormuz after India-Iran talks

Two India-flagged liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tankers have successfully crossed the strategic Strait of Hormuz and are now heading towards India, offering relief amid concerns over gas supply disruptions linked to the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

The vessels, Shivalik and Nanda Devi, are operated by the state-run Shipping Corporation of India and are carrying significant quantities of LPG. Officials said the ships safely navigated the narrow waterway after coordinated diplomatic efforts between India and Iran to ensure the security of Indian-bound vessels.

The passage came after a series of high-level conversations between New Delhi and Tehran. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reportedly held multiple rounds of talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to secure safe transit for the ships.

Both tankers crossed the strait on March 14 and are expected to arrive at India’s western ports, including Mundra and Kandla, within a few days. Their arrival is considered important as India has been facing concerns about LPG availability due to disruptions in maritime routes during the conflict.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, handling roughly 20% of global oil and gas shipments. Any disruption to traffic through the route can significantly impact energy markets and fuel supply chains across Asia.

The ongoing US-Iran-Israel tensions have already affected shipping in the region, with several vessels delaying transit or rerouting due to security concerns. In this context, Iran’s decision to allow Indian ships through the strait has been viewed as an important diplomatic development.

Officials said India continues to monitor the situation closely and is in touch with regional governments to ensure the safety of its commercial shipping and maintain energy supplies.