NEW DELHI: In a significant move to ensure energy security, the Indian government is seeking safe passage for 22 vessels stranded west of the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The External Affairs Ministry reported this development on Saturday, following Iran's decision to permit a limited number of Indian ships to navigate through the area amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized India's proactive engagement with West Asian countries concerning this critical issue. “Our priority remains energy security. We are in constant communication with the Gulf Cooperation Council nations and have also liaised with the United States and Israel about the situation,” Jaiswal stated.

On Friday night, an Indian-flagged liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanker, Shivalik, successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz, making its way to the Gulf of Oman. Another vessel, Nanda Devi, followed shortly thereafter. Collectively, these two vessels are transporting over 92,000 tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas, which is essential for both industrial and civilian use in India.

Iran's ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, confirmed that some Indian vessels had been allowed passage through the strait, a crucial maritime route that accommodates approximately 20% of the world’s oil supply and liquefied natural gas. However, the blockade, declared shortly after a military offensive by the US and Israel against Iran, has caused notable disruptions, leading to gas shortages in India.

The stranded vessels include four crude oil tankers, six LPG carriers, and one liquefied natural gas vessel. Government officials are reportedly concerned as these supply challenges could escalate, prompting them to implement cuts to industrial gas supplies to safeguard household cooking gas.

Jaiswal concluded by noting India's attempts to forge a consensus among BRICS member countries regarding the Middle East conflict. India holds the presidency of BRICS, a group that includes Brazil, Russia, China, and South Africa, alongside Iran and other nations, further underscoring its role in international diplomacy regarding this crisis.