Iran has allowed two Indian-flagged liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carriers to sail through the Strait of Hormuz, a rare exception to a blockade that has disrupted global energy supplies, according to four sources with direct knowledge of the matter The move underscores the strategic importance of the waterway, which normally handles around 20 percent of the world's oil and seaborne LNG, and the role of bilateral diplomacy in navigating geopolitical tensions
The first vessel, the tanker Shivalik, crossed the strait under escort from the Indian Navy, while the second, Nanda Devi, was expected to clear the chokepoint shortly after, the sources said Tehran has largely halted maritime traffic through the strait, which runs past its coast, since what it describes as a bombing campaign launched by the United States and Israel Iran has stated it will not permit any supplies for the US or its allies to pass but has remained open to granting exemptions
This specific passage was facilitated by high-level diplomatic engagement. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi confirmed he had spoken with Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian to discuss the transit of goods and energy from the Gulf For India, securing these shipments is vital for its energy security. The development highlights how nations are working to protect their strategic interests amid a volatile regional security environment, with Iran leveraging its control over the critical chokepoint to achieve its geopolitical objectives
Mohsin Rana
