In a significant development that brings relief to India amid a worsening global energy crisis, Iran has allowed Indian oil tankers to pass through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz following diplomatic engagement between S. Jaishankar, India’s External Affairs Minister, and his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi. The decision comes at a time when escalating tensions in West Asia have severely disrupted maritime traffic through the narrow but crucial energy corridor.
According to sources, the breakthrough came after a telephonic conversation between Jaishankar and Araghchi on March 10. The two leaders held extensive discussions regarding the evolving security situation in the Middle East and its potential impact on global trade and energy supply. Both sides agreed to remain in close contact as the conflict continues to unfold.
This latest conversation marks the third round of diplomatic engagement between the two ministers in less than two weeks. Jaishankar had earlier spoken to Araghchi on February 28 and again on March 5, reflecting New Delhi’s sustained diplomatic efforts to safeguard its energy interests amid growing instability in the region.
In a tangible outcome of these diplomatic efforts, the Liberian-flagged oil tanker Shenlong Suezmax, commanded by an Indian captain, successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz and arrived at Mumbai port on March 11. The vessel carried 135,335 metric tonnes of Saudi Arabian crude oil loaded from Ras Tanura, one of the world’s largest oil export terminals.
The tanker had departed Ras Tanura on March 1 and passed through the strait on March 8. During its journey, the vessel briefly disappeared from global tracking systems before reappearing on March 9. Experts suggest that the temporary disappearance from radar may have been a precautionary measure to avoid detection in the tense waters, where Iranian forces have previously targeted merchant vessels and restricted the passage of certain ships.
The successful arrival of the tanker marks the first India-bound crude shipment through the strait since hostilities erupted in the region, offering a much-needed assurance for India’s energy security.
The broader geopolitical backdrop remains highly volatile. The ongoing military confrontation between United States and Iran, reportedly supported by Israel, has entered its thirteenth day with no immediate signs of de-escalation. The conflict has severely disrupted shipping activity across the Persian Gulf and surrounding waters, raising fears of supply disruptions in global energy markets.
In response to the escalating hostilities, Tehran has tightened control over vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian authorities have indicated that ships not serving the interests of the United States or Israel would be permitted safe passage through the corridor, a policy that appears to have benefited Indian shipments.
The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, is a narrow maritime corridor that connects the Persian Gulf with the Arabian Sea. Despite being only about 55 kilometres wide at its narrowest point, it is considered one of the most critical energy chokepoints in the world.
An estimated 13 million barrels of oil pass through these waters every day, accounting for roughly 31 percent of global seaborne crude shipments. In addition, a significant portion of the world’s liquefied natural gas exports also travels through this passage. Any disruption in the strait therefore has immediate and far-reaching consequences for international energy markets.
Even minor disruptions can trigger sharp market reactions. For instance, a short-lived partial closure of the route in February 2025 resulted in a six percent surge in global oil prices. Analysts warn that a prolonged disruption could lead to far greater volatility and place additional pressure on energy-importing nations such as India.
For India, which relies heavily on imported crude oil to meet its growing energy demands, uninterrupted access to the Strait of Hormuz is of paramount importance. The latest diplomatic engagement between New Delhi and Tehran demonstrates India’s effort to maintain balanced relations in a region marked by complex geopolitical rivalries.
By securing safe passage for Indian oil shipments, the move not only ensures continuity of energy supplies but also highlights the critical role of diplomacy in navigating global crises that threaten economic stability and energy security.
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