The Indian government has secured safe passage for its oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz following talks between Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar and his Iranian counterpart.
Following a telephonic conversation between Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar and Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, India has received approval for its oil tankers to safely transit through the Strait of Hormuz. This development is crucial for 28 Indian vessels currently stranded in the Persian Gulf, with 778 sailors on board. Of these, 24 ships are reported to be in the western part of the Strait, carrying 677 sailors, while four vessels are in the eastern part with 101 sailors.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has actively monitored the situation and confirmed the current status of these ships. Special Secretary Rajesh Kumar Sinha shared this information during a media briefing, emphasizing the government's vigilance and coordination with ship managers, recruitment agencies, embassies, and local authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of all crew members. Continuous monitoring is being conducted to secure the return of these sailors.
The return of these 28 vessels is not just a logistical issue but also carries significant implications for maritime security and international relations in the region. With the Strait of Hormuz being a vital oil transit route, the safe passage will help maintain India's interests in the region and strengthen diplomatic ties between India and Iran amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
