India’s Ministry of External Affairs revealed they currently cannot comment on whether Iran has allowed Indian vessels to pass safely through the Strait of Hormuz due to ongoing discussions between India and Iran and with no finalised details at this stage. With the ongoing situation still affecting global shipping channels and energy supply routes, officials have said that there is still a long way to go before an agreement can be reached on this issue.
Government Calls Reports “Premature”
According to the spokesperson of India’s Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal, Indian and Iranian officials had conversations about the subject, but there has been no agreement yet on any final outcome.
He said that Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi spoke to each other several times in the last few days.
The focus of those conversations was on the safety of shipping lanes and the security of India’s energy supply, both of which are being threatened as the conflict continues to grow.
However, Jaiswal also cautioned that it is “premature” to announce an agreement that will allow Indian vessels to safely navigate through the strait.
Attacks on Cargo Ships Continue
Concerns over cargo shipping & oil tankers are becoming greater after several vessels have been attacked by suicide boats, drones, and missiles; this has created uncertainty regarding global shipping. The last incident that was highlighted was in the Iraqi port city of Basra, where a bulk carrier belonging to Thailand, the “Mayuree Naree”, has now left Iraq headed for Kandla Port in Gujarat but has lost an Indian sailor from his crew due to the attack. The concern here is for all Merchant Navy crews that are working in the region, as it is proving increasingly dangerous.
India Condemns Attacks on Commercial Shipping
India has condemned attempts to use civilian vessels for attacks during the war.
The Indian government has made clear that civilian vessels must not be attacked simply because they can be considered as military vessels. Especially when these vessels carry multinational crews and deliver essential cargo.
India has warned that numerous lives, including those of Indian nationals, have been lost in other phases of this conflict.
It also expressed deep concern about the increased assault on shipping vessels and has raised the issue of the safety of thousands of sailors in their respective ports.
Indian Sailors Among the Victims
The shipping routes through the Gulf have many dangerous conditions for Indian seafarers, who represent a large percentage of the international maritime workforce employed in the global merchant fleet. Since February 28, when the conflict began, four Indian seafarers are thought to have died as a result of incidents involving commercial vessels operating in the area.
Indian commercial vessels that have been victims of incidents occurring during the war include:
MT Sky Light
MT Vyom
LCT ALYH
Additionally, there are over 20 Indian commercial seafarers that have sustained injuries from these types of incidents. Several of these injured crew members are presently hospitalised in Oman and other locations for treatment for their injuries.
Families Seek Answers
Families of people killed during the attacks remain without clarity.
The family of Ashish Kumar, who was captain of the MT Sky Light tanker, would like additional confirmation on the captain’s death.
They want DNA tests on the recoveries made in Oman before they accept the official information provided by authorities.
Authorities have said the results of the DNA tests will be provided after the completion of legal action in Oman.
Due to an ongoing conflict, the process has been delayed, causing families continued suffering due to not knowing the result of the official test.
A Vital Global Shipping Route
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the key international waterways today in the world’s nations. Positioned between Iran and Oman, this narrow marine corridor links the Persian Gulf to global shipping lanes. A significant percentage of oil exported from the world travels through this water route, representing a very important link in the global energy supply chain. A disruption of this waterway can have an immediate impact on oil prices, international trade and energy security for countries like India.
Diplomatic Talks Continue
Despite uncertainties, India is still engaging diplomatically with Iran.
Indian officials have been maintaining their connections with the Iranian side to coordinate on providing safe passage to vessels and protecting sailors’ lives.
Developments in West Asia continue to receive global scrutiny as tensions rise between governments in this part of the world.
For India, three things are top priorities: protecting its people, securing oil and energy supplies, and maintaining global trade routes.
Also Read: Oil Surges, Gas Soars: Middle East Conflict Sends Energy Markets Reeling
