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Indian Navy Deploys Warships to Secure Oil Tankers in Strait of Hormuz

The Indian Navy has deployed two task forces to escort merchant vessels and tankers carrying gas and crude oil through the Strait of Hormuz. This action follows reports that Iran has requested an exchange of three seized tankers for the safe passage of India-bound ships. The LPG carrier 'Shivalik' has successfully reached Mundra Port in Gujarat after transiting the strait. Indian authorities continue to coordinate assistance for nationals in the region, with over 220,000 passengers having returned since late February.

Key Points: Indian Navy Warships Escort Tankers in Strait of Hormuz

  • Navy deploys two task forces
  • Iran seeks tanker exchange
  • Indian carrier 'Shivalik' reaches port safely
  • Over 220,000 passengers returned from region
  • Special MEA control room operational
3 min read

Indian Navy deploys warships for safe passage of Indian vessels in Strait of Hormuz

Indian Navy deploys task forces to ensure safe passage for merchant vessels through the Strait of Hormuz amid tensions with Iran over seized tankers.

"All possible assistance and support are being provided to the vessels that are being escorted by the Indian Navy - Sources"

New Delhi, March 17

The Indian Navy has deployed two task forces of warships to help in the safe transit of merchant vessels and tankers bringing gas and crude oil to India after crossing the Strait of Hormuz near Iran. All possible assistance and support are being provided to the vessels that are being escorted by the Indian Navy, as per sources.

The reports said that Iran asked India for the exchange of three tankers seized by it in exchange for permitting the safe passage of Indian-flagged or India-bound ships from the Strait of Hormuz.

As per reports, India had earlier seized those tankers, alleging they had concealed or altered their identities and were involved in illegal ship-to-ship transfers at sea. Indian authorities seized the tankers Asphalt Star, Al Jafzia and Stellar Ruby alleging they had concealed or altered their identity and movements, and were involved in illegal ship-to-ship transfers. Stellar Ruby is Iranian-flagged, while the other two vessels are flagged to Nicaragua and Mali.

Tehran has also sought supplies of certain medicines and medical equipment, according to one of the sources, an Iranian official. Iran's ambassador to New Delhi met Indian foreign ministry officials on Monday to discuss the issue, a report said.

Meanwhile, Indian LPG carrier 'Shivalik', carrying about 40,000 metric tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas, reached Mundra Port in Gujarat on Monday evening. The carrier arrived at the port after safely transiting out of the Strait of Hormuz late last night/early this morning.

Earlier today, addressing the Inter Ministerial briefing on Recent Developments in West Asia in New Delhi, Special Secretary at the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Rajesh Kumar Sinha, said that documentation and priority berthing have been arranged at the port to ensure no delay in the discharge of the cargo of the Shivalik.

A special MEA control room remains operational to address queries from Indian nationals and their families, while coordination continues with State Governments and Union Territories. Indian Missions and Posts across the region continue to operate 24x7 helplines, maintain contact with Indian community organisations and issue updated advisories.

Missions remain in close touch with local authorities and are extending assistance to stranded Indians and short-term visitors, including visa support, logistical assistance and transit facilitation. Coordination is also underway with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways to assist Indian seafarers in the region. Since 28 February 2026, around 2,20,000 passengers have returned from the West Asia and Gulf region to India.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
Smart diplomacy at play here. While ensuring safe passage, we are also in a position to negotiate from strength after seizing those tankers involved in illegal activities. Hope the talks lead to a permanent solution for safe transit.
A
Aman W
Good to see the government's proactive steps with the control room and helplines. The safety of our citizens and seafarers in the region is paramount. The number of people returning (2.2 lakhs!) shows the scale of the effort.
S
Sarah B
While the naval deployment is impressive, I hope we are also focusing on long-term energy independence. Relying so heavily on imports through such a volatile choke point is a strategic vulnerability. Time to accelerate our renewable and domestic production plans.
V
Vikram M
The details about the seized tankers are important. If they were involved in illegal transfers, our authorities were right to act. National security and following international maritime laws come first, before any exchange deals.
K
Kavya N
Glad to hear 'Shivalik' reached Mundra safely! 🙏 This affects real people - from the crew to the industries waiting for that LPG. The priority berthing arrangement shows good inter-ministerial coordination. More of this efficiency, please!

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