India has been listed among the “friendly nations” and will be allowed to use the Strait of Hormuz, even as tensions in the region raise fears of a global energy crisis, said Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi on Thursday.
This development comes as oil prices have already surged, and several countries are reporting shortages due to disruptions in supply. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical waterway in the Gulf that has become a focal point in the ongoing Iran-US conflict.
https://x.com/iraninmumbai/status/2036883964854784018?s=46
The Consulate General of Iran in Mumbai confirmed the development in a post, stating, “Iran FM Abbas Araghchi says, We permitted passage through the Strait of Hormuz for friendly nations including China, Russia, India, Iraq, and Pakistan.”
Hormuz Crisis Deepens Amid Iran-US Tensions
The potential closure of the Strait has heightened concerns worldwide, as it is a key route for global oil and gas shipments. The issue has also figured prominently in Iran’s response to US President Donald Trump’s 15-point peace proposal.
Among its demands, Tehran has called for international recognition and guarantees of its right to exercise sovereignty over the Strait. Earlier, Trump had claimed that he and “Ayatollah” would jointly control the Strait, a statement that Iran rejected.
Govt Assures Safety of Indian ships and Crew
Meanwhile, the Indian government has assured that its ships and sailors operating in the Gulf region remain safe. At a joint inter-ministerial briefing in New Delhi, Rajesh Sinha, Special Secretary in the Ministry of Shipping, said two Indian-flagged LPG carriers, Pine Gas and Jag Vasant have already crossed the Strait safely and are on their way to India.
“All Indian ships and sailors in the Gulf region are safe. No maritime incidents have been reported in the last 24 hours. Late last evening, two Indian-flagged LPG carriers, Pine Gas and Jag Vasant, both are loaded with LPG. Both vessels safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz and are headed towards India,” said Sinha.
Global Calls Grow to Reopen Strait
Global organisations, including the United Nations, have called for the Strait to remain open as energy prices continue to rise. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that the prolonged disruption is affecting the movement of oil, gas, and fertiliser at a crucial time for global agriculture.
“Across the region & beyond, civilians are enduring serious harm & living under profound insecurity. The UN is working to minimise the consequences of the war. And the best way to minimise those consequences is clear: End the war – immediately,” he said on X.
https://x.com/antonioguterres/status/2036926348074377311?s=46
Earlier, on March 25, Iran’s mission in New York said it would allow “non-hostile vessels” to pass through the Strait.
The mission announced in a post on X, “Non-hostile vessels, including those belonging to or associated with other States, may–provided that they neither participate in nor support acts of aggression against Iran and fully comply with the declared safety and security regulations–benefit from safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz in coordination with the competent Iranian authorities.”
https://x.com/Iran_UN/status/2036545805960503398?s=20
However, Iran’s Defence Council has made it clear that such passage will now require prior coordination with Iranian officials.
Iran Plans Toll System for Transit
In addition, Iran is considering introducing a toll system for ships using the Strait. According to the semi-official Fars news agency, the country’s parliament is working on a draft bill to charge fees in exchange for providing security to passing vessel. The proposal is expected to be finalised next week.
“We are pursuing a proposal in which Iran’s sovereignty, control, and oversight in the Strait of Hormuz are formally recognized in law, and through the collection of tolls, a source of revenue is also created for the country,” Fars cited a lawmaker as saying.
Global Concerns over Shipping Disruptions
Global concerns have intensified over disruptions to commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, with US President Donald Trump warning Iran of serious consequences if the waterway is not fully reopened.
In recent weeks, India has stepped up diplomatic efforts aimed at bringing a swift end to the conflict in West Asia while ensuring the uninterrupted flow of energy supplies through the Strait.
New Delhi has cautioned that a prolonged blockade could have serious implications for fuel and fertiliser security, not just for India but for several countries dependent on the crucial shipping route.
