India, March 24 -- 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.
"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:
Despite the conflict, Indian shipping companies continue to coordinate safe passage through the strait, which remains a vital artery for global energy supplies.
The Indian government has officially clarified that no permission is required from any country, including Iran, for Indian tankers to sail through the Strait of Hormuz.
This statement, made on March 24, 2026, by Rajesh Kumar Singh (Special Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways), comes as India navigates a delicate energy crisis triggered by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Key Highlights of the Government’s Position
Freedom of Navigation: The Centre emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz is an international waterway covered by global navigation conventions.
Under these rules, ships have the right of "transit passage" without needing authorization or paying levies to coastal states. Safety vs. Sovereignty: While rejecting the idea that "permission" is needed, the government noted that shipping companies and charterers are making independent safety assessments.
Some vessels have reportedly taken a route between Iran’s Larak and Qeshm islands—a move analysts suggest helps identify the ships to avoid "mistaken identity" attacks. 
Strategic Neutrality: India has maintained a neutral stance, engaging in "maritime diplomacy" with Tehran to ensure the safety of Indian seafarers and cargo without formally aligning with the naval escort initiatives proposed by other nations.
Current Status of Indian Tankers (as of late March 2026)
Despite the high tensions, several critical shipments have successfully transited the strait:
| Vessel Name | Cargo | Status / Destination |
| Jag Vasant | 47,612 tonnes LPG | Expected at Kandla, Gujarat (March 26) |
| Pine Gas | 45,000 tonnes LPG | Expected at New Mangalore (March 27) |
| Jag Laadki | 80,886 tonnes Crude Oil | Arrived at Mundra (March 18) |
| MT Shivalik | LPG | Arrived at Mundra (mid-March) |
| MT Nanda Devi | LPG | Arrived at Kandla (mid-March) |
Remaining Challenges
Stranded Vessels: Approximately 20 Indian-flagged ships remain in the Persian Gulf (west of the strait), including five LPG tankers carrying roughly 2.3 lakh tonnes of gas.
LPG Shortage: The successful arrival of Jag Vasant and Pine Gas is crucial, as their combined cargo represents about one full day's worth of India's total domestic cooking gas consumption.
Energy Security: Prime Minister Modi recently assured the Rajya Sabha that India has sufficient crude oil reserves (over 53 lakh metric tonnes) to withstand short-term disruptions, though the government remains focused on reopening the strait for consistent trade.
Would you like me to look into the latest updates on the domestic LPG supply situation or the current trends in global oil prices resulting from this conflict?
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