Iran handed over Hormuz Pass to India, Pakistan, Russia, China, Iraq. india news
In what could potentially be a major relief, Iran has said it will allow India to use the Strait of Hormuz, not only clearing the way for 20 Indian-flagged cargo ships stuck to its west to pass through the choke point, but also raising hopes that another 18 empty LPG tankers could pass through the conflict-hit 52 km strait to load cargo.According to Iranian state TV, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said, “We have allowed some countries, which we consider friendly, to transit through (the Strait of Hormuz). We have allowed transit to China, Russia, India, Iraq and Pakistan.” At the same time, he clarified that ships belonging to Iran’s adversaries will not be allowed to transit through the strategic waterway. “This area is a war zone and there is no reason to allow ships of our enemies to pass through here,” he said.
TOI has learned that a dozen India-bound ships west of Hormuz – including five ships loaded with 2.3 lakh tonnes of LPG – are waiting to cross the strait and head towards Indian ports. “The smooth passage of all Indian-flagged vessels will improve the availability of LPG, LNG and crude oil in India,” said an official closely following the developments.India’s inclusion in Iran’s list of ‘friendly countries’ is a surprise.Once these ships reach Indian ports and offload cargo, they can be sent to take fresh consignments.” Of the 20 Indian-flagged ships in the region, some are not bound for India but for other ports, the official said.Officials said 18 LPG tankers are waiting to enter the strait to pick up cooking gas from Gulf countries.Iran’s decision to flag off ships bound for India marks the success of New Delhi’s diplomacy, with PM Modi holding two rounds of talks with Iranian President Massoud Pezhekian. Modi had stressed that the blockade of the strait (by Iran) is unacceptable. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had also contacted his Iranian counterpart Araghchi with the same request.India’s inclusion in the group that Tehran had described as “friendly” came as a surprise. Two of the five “friendly countries” mentioned – Russia and China – are viewed by Iran as partners in its fight against the US and Israel. The remaining two Islamic countries are Turkey and Pakistan, which are eagerly trying to play the role of mediator between the Trump administration and the Iranian leadership.In normal times, India gets around 27-30 LPG tankers every month to meet domestic requirements as it imports 60% of its LPG, of which 85-90% comes from Gulf countries including Saudi Arabia and UAE. To meet the shortage, the government is supplying LPG from the US, Argentina, Norway, Canada and Russia, and some cargo has already reached Indian ports through other sea routes.Two LPG ships – Shivalik and Nanda Devi – reached India last week, while Pine Gas and Jag Vasant are likely to arrive this week.According to Kpler, only 138 ships passed the energy choke point between March 1 and 23, including 87 oil and gas tankers. This means 5-6 ships a day, a 95% drop in crossings since the war began. Reports also suggest that more than 1,900 ships are unable to navigate around the Strait of Hormuz.