'No permission needed': Centre on Indian tankers sailing through Hormuz amid Middle East tensions
Several Indian-flagged tankers have successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz, even as the war in the Middle East continues to disrupt global shipping, the Centre said on Tuesday.
The government clarified that no permission from Iran is required for vessels to transit the international waterway.
The announcement came amid reports that Iran had blocked access to the strait for tankers it considered belonging to its “enemies,” following attacks by US and Israeli forces.
Despite the blockade, multiple Indian tankers, including two on Monday, navigated the narrow strategic corridor safely.
Speaking at a media briefing, Rajesh Kumar Singh said, “No permission is needed to sail through the strait. There is freedom for navigation, and shipping lines follow internationally recognized entry and exit lanes."
"The decision to sail is made between the shipping company and the charterer, considering safety. No permission from Iran is required,” he said.
Two Indian tankers carrying essential LPG—Jag Vasant (47,612 tonnes) and Pine Gas—are scheduled to reach Kandla in Gujarat and New Mangalore respectively by Thursday and Friday. Around 60 Indian sailors are aboard the vessels.
Currently, 22 Indian-flagged ships remain in the Persian Gulf, including:
- Five LPG tankers carrying about 2.3 lakh tonnes of gas
- One LNG tanker
- One chemical tanker
- Four crude oil tankers
- Three container ships
- Two bulk carriers
- Three undergoing maintenance
Despite the conflict, Indian shipping companies continue to coordinate safe passage through the strait, which remains a vital artery for global energy supplies.
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