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Iran Seeks Tanker Swap With India For Safe Hormuz Passage

Iran has formally requested that India release three seized tankers in exchange for guaranteeing the safe passage of Indian-flagged or India-bound vessels through the critical Strait of Hormuz. The request was delivered during a meeting between Iran's ambassador and Indian foreign ministry officials, with Tehran also seeking supplies of medicines and medical equipment. This diplomatic move occurs as Indian vessels like the LPG carrier 'Shivalik' and crude oil tanker 'Jag Laadki' safely complete their transit from the region. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasized direct dialogue with Tehran as the most effective approach, noting coordination is already yielding results while managing transits on a case-by-case basis.

Key Points: Iran Proposes Tanker Exchange for Indian Ships' Safe Passage

  • Iran proposes 3-tanker exchange
  • Safe passage for Indian ships through Hormuz
  • Indian vessels Shivalik and Jag Laadki reach safely
  • Talks focus on energy security and seafarer safety
  • Management on case-by-case basis
3 min read

Iran asks India to release 3 seized tankers in exchange for passage of Indian ships: Report

Iran asks India to release 3 seized tankers in return for safe transit of Indian vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, amid regional tensions.

"reason and coordinate with Tehran rather than disengage - S Jaishankar"

Tehran, March 16

Iran has 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, Reuters reported on Monday.

As per Reuters, 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, as per Reuters.

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, the source told Reuters.

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 cargo of the Shivalik.

The Indian-flagged vessel, 'Jag Laadki', which sailed from the UAE, carrying about 81,000 tonnes of Murban crude oil, is also safely en route to India.

According to the Shipping Ministry all Indian seafarers in the Persian Gulf area are safe and no incident has been reported in the last 24 hours.Consequently, there are now 22 Indian-flagged vessels remaining in the Persian Gulf, carrying a total of 611 seafarers.

Earlier, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar 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 tensions in West Asia.

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.

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."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
Good to see 'Shivalik' reached safely! Our government is handling this well. We seized the tankers for valid reasons—concealing identity is a serious maritime offense. Iran's request for medicines is interesting. Perhaps a humanitarian gesture could be part of the negotiation, but we must not appear weak.
A
Arun Y
The Strait of Hormuz is a lifeline for our oil imports. 20% of global trade! We cannot afford any disruption. While I support firm action against illegal activities, a swift diplomatic resolution is crucial. Case-by-case basis for ships seems risky though; we need a more stable assurance for our vessels.
S
Sarah B
Watching from abroad. This is a classic high-stakes diplomatic dance. India has leverage with the seized tankers, but Iran controls the chokepoint. The mention of medical supplies adds another layer. Hope both sides find a face-saving solution that keeps commerce flowing.
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Vikram M
Our authorities did the right thing by seizing those tankers. If rules are broken, action must be taken, regardless of flag. But now it's a bargaining chip. We should ensure safe passage for ALL our ships and seafarers first. The 611 Indians in the Gulf are the top priority. Jai Hind.
K
Kiran H
While I appreciate the government's efforts, I'm concerned about the "case-by-case" approach. It creates uncertainty for shipping companies. A more transparent and predictable framework is needed for such volatile regions. Our diplomacy must secure a blanket guarantee for the Indian flag.

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