It has been about three months since the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important energy corridors, has remained under blockade. As the crucial passage between Iran and Oman handles nearly 20 per cent of global oil and natural gas shipments, the blockade has disrupted flow in energy markets, driving up fuel prices.
Although active hostilities ceased following the April 9 ceasefire between Tehran and Washington, maritime traffic through the Strait has yet to return to normal, with vessel movement continuing to be severely affected by the conflict.
However, amid the uncertainty, several Indian-linked vessels have continued to transit the high-risk route, helping India maintain its energy needs widespread disruptions in the region. The continued movement is particularly significant given Iran’s strategic control over the Strait.
But how did India managed to continue its trade despite Tehran has repeatedly targeted vessels in response to the US-Israeli strikes of February 28 that triggered the conflict, prompting many global shipping operators to avoid the route altogether.
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How India Managed Vessel Movement?
Speaking at an inter-ministerial briefing on Friday, shipping ministry officials offered a glimpse into how India has managed vessel movement through the tense waterway, while declining to disclose operational details.
“In terms of how we coordinate with India, Iran, how do we decide the priority, I would not like to tell you how we coordinate for obvious reasons. So we coordinate through MEA, and that is where we are,” said Opesh Kumar Sharma, Director (Shipping) at the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
Sharma said priorities are determined jointly with ministries responsible for energy and essential supplies. “In terms of priority, it is decided in coordination with the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and the Ministry of Fertilisers. Based on those priorities, a coordinated plan is prepared through which we try to get the ships out,” he added.
13 Indian Vessels Still In Hormuz
As per Sharma, around 13 Indian-flagged vessels are currently in the Strait of Hormuz region, including one LPG tanker, five crude oil tankers, one chemical or product tanker, three container ships, two bulk carriers and one dredger.
Despite the danger, India has continued to maintain maritime traffic through the route and remains among the countries with the highest number of vessels transiting the Strait.
India managed to continue its trade despite ship movements through Hormuz has slowed dramatically since Iran’s retaliation against the February 28 US-Israeli strikes, with several global shipping operators avoiding the route altogether due to fears of escalation.