NewKerala.com

Iran Assures Safe Passage for Indian Ships Through Strait of Hormuz Amid Conflict

Iran's Supreme Leader's representative in India, Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi, has explicitly assured that Indian vessels will be allowed to pass through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. The concession is framed as a response to perceived solidarity from the Indian public with Iran against US and Israeli "oppression." The conflict, triggered by the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader, has led to the virtual closure of the strait, disrupting global energy markets. Iranian authorities have already permitted transit for two Indian-flagged LPG carriers, including the vessel Shivalik.

Key Points: Iran Grants Indian Vessels Passage Through Strait of Hormuz

  • Iran assures safe passage for Indian vessels
  • Concession reflects Indian public solidarity with Iran
  • Conflict has disrupted vital global energy route
  • Two Indian LPG carriers already granted transit
3 min read

"Of course. Yes": Iran's Supreme Leader's representative on passage to Indian vessels through Hormuz

Iran's Supreme Leader's representative assures India of safe transit for its ships through the strategic Strait of Hormuz amid West Asia conflict.

"Of course, of course. Yes. - Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi on Indian ships' passage"

New Delhi, March 14

The representative of Iran's Supreme Leader in India, Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi, on Saturday reiterated that Indian vessels would be allowed to pass through the strategically significant Strait of Hormuz amid the conflict in West Asia.

Speaking in an interview with ANI, Ilahi responded affirmatively, "Of course, of course. Yes," when asked whether Indian ships would be allowed to pass through the Strait.

When asked to elaborate on the matter, Ilahi said, "I heard that our embassy tried to provide an opportunity for some Indian ships to cross the Strait of Hormuz."

The current round of conflict in West Asia, which started on February 28, has witnessed fighting between Israel and the United States on one side and Iran on the other.

The conflict escalated following the killing of 86-year-old Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in joint military strikes by the US and Israel, after which Iran, in its retaliation, targeted Israeli and US assets in several Gulf countries and Israel, causing disruption in the waterway and affecting international energy markets and global economic stability.

Due to the conflict in the region, Iran has virtually closed the Strait of Hormuz, a critical transit route for global energy supply.

Ilahi further said that the special concessions for India on the passage of vessels were a reflection of the Indian public showing solidarity with the Iranian regime against what he described as "oppression" by the US and its allies.

"I can say the majority of Indian people are with Iran. They condemned the oppression. They follow justice. And they don't want war. Even I can say they are against the war," he said.

He further claimed that the Iranian leadership had been informed about expressions of sympathy from people in India and said Tehran was mindful of India's energy needs.

"They (Indians) show their loyalty to the oppressed people. Even with the children of the girls' school, which is attacked by the United States, they show their sympathy, their solidarity. We informed our people in Iran of the sympathy and solidarity of our brothers and sisters in India. And we said that now also they are suffering from a shortage of gas and a shortage of petrol, and we have to provide for them and help them and support them," Ilahi added.

He also noted that the Iranian embassy had attempted several times to assist in resolving the issue for the "dear brothers and sisters in India".

Earlier today, two Indian flagged vessels carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) were granted transit through the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian authorities.

One of them is the Shivalik, which, as per the Vessel traffic monitoring site marinetraffic, was last reported to be in the Gulf of Oman and expected to reach its destination by March 21.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good to see our ships getting through. But I'm a bit uncomfortable with the representative saying the concession is because the "majority of Indian people are with Iran." Our foreign policy should be about national interest, not perceived public solidarity with any particular regime.
R
Rohit P
Relief for the Shivalik and other vessels! My cousin works in shipping logistics and the uncertainty over Hormuz was causing massive delays and cost overruns. Hope this is a stable arrangement and not just a one-off gesture.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see Iran making this a point about Indian public opinion. While it's crucial for our energy supplies, we must remember the complex geopolitics at play. India's stance has always been about peace and dialogue, not taking sides.
V
Vikram M
Chabahar port partnership paying off? This seems like a strategic move by Iran to keep India engaged. We have significant investments and interests there. Smart diplomacy by MEA to secure this passage during such tense times. 👏
K
Karthik V
The mention of "shortage of gas and petrol" hits home. Petrol prices are already high. Any disruption in the Strait would have made things worse for the common man. Hope the government continues to ensure stable energy imports.

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

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50