U.S.-Iran Tensions Escalate: 9th Indian Tanker Triumphs Across Strait of Hormuz, 18 Still Trapped in Peril!
Another India-flagged vessel, the Green Asha, has successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz amidst heightened regional tensions, marking a significant milestone. This crossing brings to nine the total number of Indian tankers that have safely traversed this vital maritime route since the onset of the current conflict. The Green Asha, identified as an LPG tanker, highlights India’s ongoing efforts to secure safe passage for its maritime trade.
The geopolitical landscape has shifted dramatically since the U.S. and Israel targeted Iran on February 28, putting immense pressure on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Typically, this strait is critical, facilitating approximately 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas. In response to the strategic challenges, Iran has intensified its oversight of the strait but allowed vessels from friendly nations, including India, to transit through a pre-approved route, while issuing threats against ships associated with the U.S. or Israel.
So far, several Indian-associated vessels have successfully completed their journeys through the strait. Notably, the Pine Gas and Jag Vasant delivered 92,612 tonnes of LPG to Indian ports between March 26 and March 28. Earlier, the MT Shivalik and MT Nanda Devi, carrying around 92,712 tonnes of LPG, docked at Mundra and Kandla ports, respectively, on March 16 and March 17. Furthermore, the oil tanker Jag Laadki, which transported 80,886 tonnes of crude oil from the UAE, reached Mundra on March 18. Additionally, the Jag Prakash, carrying gasoline from Oman to Africa, has safely traversed the strait and is currently en route to Tanzania.
Despite these successful crossings, the situation remains precarious as 18 vessels, including those carrying LPG, crude oil, and LNG destined for India, are currently stranded in the Strait of Hormuz due to escalating conflicts in West Asia. According to Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, ten foreign-flagged vessels, comprising three LPG carriers, four crude oil tankers, and three LNG carriers, are among those caught in this logistical quagmire. In addition, Indian-flagged vessels, including three LPG tankers, one LNG carrier, and four crude oil tankers, are also experiencing delays. Sinha noted that one empty tanker is in the process of being filled with LPG.
“Our first priority is to get Indian flagged vessels out,” Sinha stated, emphasizing the government’s commitment to securing safe transit for these ships. “We are yet to reach the stage where we start sending back vessels for refills.” He assured that the Ministry is closely monitoring the evolving situation in West Asia and confirmed that all Indian seafarers in the region are safe, with no troubling incidents reported involving Indian-flagged vessels in the past 24 hours. Overall, Sinha highlighted that stability has persisted in the area over the preceding 72 hours.
As regional tensions continue to simmer, the movement of Indian vessels through the Strait of Hormuz underscores both the challenges and efforts involved in maintaining vital maritime trade routes. The situation remains fluid, necessitating ongoing vigilance and strategic planning from Indian authorities and shipping companies alike.
Original Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/india/usiran-war-9th-indian-tankers-crosses-strait-of-hormez-18-still-trapped-11775380476592.html
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Publish Date: 2026-04-05 15:12:00
