"No permission is required to sail through the strait," he said at a media briefing, dismissing reports that Indian ships needed approval from Iran to pass through the narrow channel.
The Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf to open seas, is a critical global energy route. Ship movement in the area slowed sharply after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran triggered retaliatory attacks, raising security concerns.
Singh said navigation through the strait follows established international conventions. "There is freedom for navigation through the strait. Since the strait is narrow, only the entry and exit lanes are demarked which need to be followed by shipping lines."
As of March 24, 2026, the Indian government has issued a clear clarification regarding the rules of passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
The Official Stance: "No Permission Required"
Rajesh Kumar Singh, Special Secretary at the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, addressed the media today to clear the air:
International Law: The government stated that the Strait of Hormuz is governed by international navigation conventions (specifically the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea or UNCLOS).
Under these rules, it is an international strait where freedom of navigation and the right of transit passage apply. No "Deals" with Iran: The official rejected reports that Indian vessels were only allowed to move after specific agreements or permission from Tehran.
He clarified that India has not "sought" permission because, legally, none is needed. 
Safety vs. Legality: While no legal permission is required, the government emphasized that the decision to sail lies with the shipping companies and charterers.
They must assess the "real-world" security risks (drones, missiles, and naval activity) before entering the zone.
Why the Confusion? (The "De Facto" vs. "De Jure" Gap)
The "hypocrisy" or confusion stems from the difference between what is legal and what is happening on the water:
| Aspect | The Legal Rule (De Jure) | The Current Reality (De Facto) |
| Passage Type | Transit Passage: A "strong" right that cannot be suspended by coastal states (Iran/Oman). | Restricted Access: The IRGC has issued VHF radio warnings claiming the strait is "closed" to certain traffic. |
| Permission | None needed for continuous and expeditious transit. | Selective Transit: Iran is reportedly "verifying" ownership and cargo of ships, allowing some (like Indian LPG tankers) while targeting others. |
| Blockade | A formal blockade is illegal under UNCLOS without a UN mandate. | Unannounced Blockade: While not legally closed, the high risk of attack has caused a 70–80% drop in traffic. |
Recent Breakthrough for India
Despite the tension, India is in a relatively stronger position compared to other nations:
LPG Tankers: In the last 48 hours, four Indian-flagged vessels—Pine Gas, Jag Vasant, MT Shivalik, and MT Nanda Devi—successfully crossed the strait.
Strategic Escorts: While the government says no permission is needed, these ships are often observed taking specific routes (between Iran's Larak and Qeshm islands) to ensure their identity is clear to Iranian authorities, avoiding "misidentification" attacks.
Why It Matters to You
India currently holds roughly 45 days of strategic oil and gas reserves. With the Strait of Hormuz being the only channel for 20% of the world's oil, the government's "clearance" is an attempt to stabilize markets and reassure shipping lines that the route remains legally open, even if physically dangerous.
Would you like me to track the current location of the LPG tankers Pine Gas or Jag Vasant to see when they are expected to reach Indian ports?
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