Desk: India has received a major relief amid concerns over a potential fuel crisis, as Iran allowed two Indian ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar clarified that New Delhi did not make any deal with Tehran in exchange for the passage of the vessels.
The development comes at a time when Iran has tightened control over the strategic waterway amid tensions with the United States and Israel. Restrictions in the region had raised concerns over the movement of international ships, including those linked to India.
According to media reports, Jaishankar said he has been in contact with various foreign counterparts and that these diplomatic engagements have already produced some positive results. “I am currently in discussions with them and some positive outcomes have emerged. The process is ongoing, and if it is yielding results, naturally we will continue the dialogue,” he said.
He emphasized that from India’s perspective, constructive dialogue and coordination are the best ways to reach a practical solution in such sensitive situations.
No Exchange or Deal Involved
The External Affairs Minister also noted that India and Iran share a long history of economic and diplomatic engagement, and the current discussions were conducted within that framework.
“This is not a matter of any exchange or deal. India and Iran have a relationship, and we view the ongoing conflict as unfortunate,” Jaishankar said.
He added that this development is only the beginning, as several other Indian ships are still present in the region. Therefore, diplomatic talks will continue to ensure the safety and movement of all vessels.
Talks with UAE and Saudi Arabia
Jaishankar also spoke with foreign ministers from United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia regarding the evolving situation in West Asia. He held phone conversations with UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan.
Diplomatic sources suggest that India’s energy security was a key topic in these discussions.
Why the Strait of Hormuz Matters
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow but strategically vital maritime passage connecting the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea. It is considered one of the most important routes for global energy trade.
Nearly 20 percent of the world’s oil and gas supply passes through this route. For India, the strait is especially critical, as around 60 percent of its crude oil imports travel through this channel.
Additionally, a significant portion of global liquefied natural gas shipments also move through the strait. Major energy producers such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, and Qatar depend heavily on this route for their exports.