New Delhi, April 02 The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) (MEA) said six Indian ships carrying LPG, LNG and other cargo have safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz, as India continues talks with Iran and regional partners to ensure secure transit.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said discussions are ongoing to facilitate safe movement of Indian vessels in the region. He also confirmed India’s participation in a UK-hosted meeting on the Strait.
On March 21, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, discussing the security situation in the West Asia region. During the call, PM Modi condemned attacks on critical infrastructure in the region and also asserted the significance of safeguarding freedom of navigation along with keeping the shipping lanes open and secure.
Both leaders had earlier spoken over phone on March 12 when PM Modi had voiced his concern over the escalation of tensions in the region, pointing to the loss of civilian lives and damage to infrastructure. He had also reiterated India’s consistent position that all issues must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.
The government denied reports of paying any transit tolls to Iran. The development comes amid heightened concerns over global energy supplies due to tensions in West Asia.
In an interview with Iranian state television, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi clarified that the Strait of Hormuz has not been completely shut and that certain countries with which Iran maintains friendly relations have been exempted from restrictions.
