The development comes amid heightened tensions in the Gulf following attacks on commercial vessels and increasing hostilities involving Iran, the United States and Israel, which have placed merchant ships navigating the region at significant risk.

Critical Oil Route for India

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints for energy transport, with large volumes of crude oil passing through the narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and global markets.

For India, the route is particularly crucial. Approximately 40% of India’s crude oil imports travel through the strait, making any disruption to traffic a major concern for the country’s energy security.

Indian officials have been closely monitoring the situation after several commercial vessels were attacked in the region in recent days, prompting fears of further escalation and potential supply disruptions.

Diplomatic Talks Behind the Move

The reported decision follows diplomatic discussions between India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, during which maritime security and the safe passage of Indian vessels were discussed.

Sources say the talks aimed to ensure that Indian energy shipments could continue despite the worsening security situation in the Gulf.

Some reports indicate that at least two Indian tankers Pushpak and Parimal have already been able to transit the strait safely amid the tensions.

Conflicting Signals from Tehran

Despite the reports from Indian sources, an Iranian source has denied that a formal agreement allowing Indian-flagged tankers to pass through the waterway has been reached.

The conflicting statements highlight the uncertainty surrounding shipping conditions in the region as Iran tightens control over maritime traffic following the outbreak of conflict with Western powers and their allies.

Iran’s military authorities have previously warned that vessels linked to countries supporting the United States or Israel could be targeted, while ships from neutral or friendly nations may be allowed to pass under certain conditions.

Merchant Shipping Under Threat

The situation in the Strait of Hormuz has deteriorated rapidly in recent weeks. Several cargo ships and oil tankers have been attacked or damaged, forcing some shipping companies to suspend voyages through the area.

Security analysts warn that the waterway has effectively become a high-risk zone, with insurance costs for ships soaring and some crews refusing to sail through the strait due to safety concerns.

Maritime tracking data also shows a sharp drop in vessel traffic through the corridor as shipowners delay voyages or reroute cargo through alternative channels.

Potential Impact on Global Energy Markets

Any prolonged disruption in the Strait of Hormuz could have far-reaching consequences for global energy markets. Nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes through the strait, meaning even short-term interruptions can push oil prices higher and strain global supply chains.

For India one of the world’s largest oil importers ensuring safe passage for its tankers is critical to maintaining stable energy supplies and preventing domestic fuel price shocks.

Uncertain Outlook

While the reported allowance for India-flagged tankers may provide temporary relief for New Delhi, analysts caution that the broader security situation in the Gulf remains volatile.

With ongoing military tensions and repeated attacks on merchant vessels, the Strait of Hormuz continues to represent one of the most dangerous shipping routes in the world, leaving governments, shipping companies and energy markets closely watching developments in the region.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The attacks, which occurred over the past several days, targeted fuel tankers and cargo ships traveling through one of the world’s most strategically important maritime routes, raising concerns about global trade disruptions and the safety of civilian seafarers.

Tankers Set Ablaze in Iraqi Waters

According to maritime security officials and port authorities, explosive-laden boats believed to be linked to Iranian forces attacked two fuel tankers carrying Iraqi fuel cargo in waters near Basra. The vessels Safesea Vishnu and Zefyros caught fire following the assault, forcing crews to abandon parts of the ships.

Rescue teams later recovered the body of one foreign crew member from the water, while search operations continued for other missing sailors. Most crew members were successfully evacuated and taken to safety in nearby countries.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reportedly acknowledged firing on one vessel, suggesting one of the first direct engagements with commercial shipping since the latest phase of the conflict began.

Additional Ships Damaged by Projectiles

Three more merchant ships were damaged in separate incidents across Gulf waters. Among them was the Thai-flagged bulk carrier Mayuree Naree, which suffered significant damage and caught fire after being struck by a projectile while transiting the region. Several crew members were evacuated, while others were initially reported missing.

Other vessels targeted included the Japanese-flagged container ship ONE Majesty, which sustained minor hull damage while anchored in Gulf waters, and the Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier Star Gwyneth, which was struck in its cargo hold area by an unidentified projectile. Both ships remained operational after inspections confirmed the damage was limited.

Global Shipping Route Under Threat

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most critical chokepoints for global energy supplies, handling roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil shipments. Any disruption to traffic through the narrow waterway can have immediate consequences for international energy markets and shipping operations.

Since the latest round of hostilities began in late February, at least 16 ships have reportedly been struck or damaged across the Gulf region, according to maritime risk monitoring agencies.

The ongoing attacks have caused shipping traffic to slow dramatically as many companies avoid the route or delay voyages until security conditions improve. Insurance costs for vessels entering the area have also surged due to the growing risk of missile, drone and small-boat attacks.

International Concerns and Economic Impact

The attacks have triggered alarm among governments and shipping companies worldwide. The Gulf region plays a vital role in global trade, particularly in the transport of crude oil and liquefied natural gas from major producers such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and United Arab Emirates.

Analysts warn that continued instability could drive oil prices sharply higher and disrupt supply chains worldwide. Some countries that rely heavily on Gulf oil imports have already begun seeking alternative suppliers amid fears of prolonged disruption.

Merchant Ships Caught in the Crossfire

Industry experts say the recent attacks highlight how civilian vessels have become unintended front-line targets in geopolitical conflicts. With naval escorts limited and tensions escalating, commercial crews navigating the Gulf face increasing danger.

Shipping associations have called for stronger international naval coordination to protect maritime traffic, warning that failure to secure the route could severely affect global energy markets and trade flows.

Uncertain Outlook

As fighting in the region continues, security analysts fear that the attacks could signal the beginning of a broader “tanker war,” similar to the maritime clashes that occurred in the Gulf during the 1980s.

For now, merchant vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz remain on high alert, with crews navigating one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes under the constant threat of attack.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________