NewKerala.com

Jaishankar: Direct Talks with Iran "Already Yielding Results" for Indian Tankers

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar advocates for direct diplomatic engagement with Iran as the most effective way to secure the passage of Indian-flagged vessels through the critical Strait of Hormuz. He revealed that these talks are "already yielding some results," evidenced by the safe transit of two LPG tankers towards Indian ports. However, he clarified that security arrangements are currently being managed on a case-by-case basis rather than through a formal blanket agreement. This Indian approach of sustained dialogue contrasts with calls from other nations for a multinational naval coalition to patrol the waterway.

Key Points: India-Iran Dialogue Secures Tanker Passage in Strait of Hormuz

  • Direct dialogue with Iran is preferred strategy
  • Two Indian tankers already passed safely
  • No formal blanket security deal yet
  • Case-by-case management of vessel transit
  • India's approach differs from US-led coalition
2 min read

"Already yielding results": EAM Jaishankar champions direct dialogue with Tehran to secure Indian tankers in Strait of Hormuz

EAM Jaishankar says direct coordination with Tehran is working to protect Indian ships and energy imports amid Middle East tensions.

"Certainly, from India's perspective, it is better that we reason and we coordinate and we get a solution than we don't. - S Jaishankar"

New Delhi, March 16

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has championed direct dialogue with Tehran as the most efficient method for resuming maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, as India seeks to protect its energy security amidst intensifying Middle East tensions.

In an interview with the Financial Times UK, the Union Minister stated that New Delhi is currently engaging with Iran to facilitate the reopening of the vital waterway, which handles nearly 20 per cent of global oil trade.

He noted that these discussions are "already yielding some results," suggesting that India finds it more effective to "reason and coordinate" with Tehran rather than disengage.

"Certainly, from India's perspective, it is better that we reason and we coordinate and we get a solution than we don't. While this is a welcome development, there is continuing conversation because there is continued work on that," Jaishankar remarked.

The Minister highlighted the recent passage of two Indian-flagged vessels, Shivalik and Nanda Devi, as a practical success of this diplomatic strategy.

The tankers, carrying approximately 92,712 metric tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), are currently en route to the Indian ports of Mundra and Kandla.

However, Jaishankar clarified that a formal "blanket arrangement" for all Indian-flagged ships has not yet been established. He explained that the transit of vessels is currently being managed on a "case-by-case basis."

These remarks follow warnings from US President Donald Trump regarding potential additional strikes on Iran's Kharg Island.

In a social media post, Trump urged international allies, including China, France, Japan, South Korea, and Britain, to deploy naval assets to safeguard the shipping route.

Addressing India's specific diplomatic path, Jaishankar maintained that New Delhi's strategy is based on sustained dialogue.

He mentioned that while India is open to sharing its experience with European nations, each country's relationship with Iran is shaped by its own "circumstances."

In a related incident, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas confirmed that the Indian-flagged tanker Jag Laadki departed from Fujairah on Sunday.

The vessel, carrying 80,800 metric tonnes of Murban crude, had been loading at a facility when the terminal was targeted in an attack.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good to see our diplomacy working! The safe passage of Shivalik and Nanda Devi is a relief for the families of the crew and for our LPG supplies. Hope a more permanent arrangement is reached soon. Case-by-case is stressful.
R
Rohit P
While I support the dialogue, we must be careful. Balancing relations with Iran and the US is a tightrope walk. Trump's warnings about Kharg Island show how volatile the situation is. Our foreign policy needs to be nimble.
M
Michael C
Interesting to see India charting its own course here. The US is calling for a naval coalition, but India is prioritizing bilateral talks. It's a clear example of strategic autonomy in action. The "case-by-case" approach seems practical for now.
S
Shreya B
This is about the price of cooking gas and petrol for the common man. Any disruption in the Strait hits our pockets directly. Glad the government is actively working on it. Hope the talks yield a full blanket security guarantee soon.
K
Karthik V
Respectfully, I think we should be more transparent. "Already yielding some results" is vague. How many ships are still stuck? What are the specific terms with Iran? The public deserves clearer updates on such a critical issue.
E
Emma D
The mention

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50