“No blanket arrangement with Iran” says Jaishankar on Indian ships crossing Strait of Hormuz

India has not reached any blanket agreement with Iran to allow Indian-flagged ships to freely pass through the Strait of Hormuz, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar clarified amid the ongoing regional conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel. He said each vessel’s passage through the strategic waterway is currently being handled individually through diplomatic engagement with Tehran.

Jaishankar’s remarks came after Iran recently allowed two Indian-flagged liquefied petroleum gas tankers to safely transit the Strait of Hormuz despite heightened tensions and disruptions to maritime traffic in the region. The minister said the successful passage of these ships showed that diplomatic dialogue between the two countries had produced “some results”.

He emphasized that the arrangement should not be interpreted as a broader deal guaranteeing unrestricted movement for Indian vessels. According to the minister, every ship movement is being considered on a case-by-case basis while discussions between India and Iran continue to ensure safe navigation for vessels carrying essential energy supplies.

The Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime route connecting the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea, carries a significant share of global oil shipments and has become a focal point of tension during the ongoing conflict in West Asia. With shipping disruptions affecting energy markets, India has been relying on diplomacy and coordination with Iran to safeguard the passage of its vessels through the strategic chokepoint.