Arabic version: الهند تسعى لإيجاد حلول لاضطرابات الشحن في مضيق هرمز

Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar expressed optimism regarding ongoing talks with Iran, which he believes are beginning to alleviate shipping disruptions for Indian vessels in the crucial Strait of Hormuz. According to BBC News, Jaishankar noted that while some progress has been made, there is no “blanket arrangement” allowing all Indian ships to navigate the narrow waterway, a vital oil shipping channel.

Recently, two Indian-flagged gas tankers successfully transited the strait after diplomatic discussions between New Delhi and Tehran. However, 22 other Indian-flagged vessels remain in limbo, awaiting clearance to proceed. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which escalated following significant military actions by the US and Israel against Iran on 28 February, has severely restricted ship movements through this key maritime route.

The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Arabian Sea and is critical for India, as approximately 40-50% of its crude oil imports and half of its liquefied natural gas imports transit through this channel. The current situation has resulted in a shortage of cooking gas supplies in India, causing panic-buying among consumers and forcing some restaurants to temporarily close.

Jaishankar emphasized the importance of dialogue, stating that it is preferable to escalation in the region. He highlighted that India’s diplomatic efforts are ongoing and tailored to its unique bilateral relationship with Iran. Despite the challenges, he remains hopeful that continued engagement will yield positive results for Indian shipping interests, although he acknowledged the uncertainty of the situation with many ships still waiting in the region.