New Delhi : India’s Middle East diplomacy paid off on Thursday as Iran allowed Indian oil tankers to pass through the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz after talks between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi. The discussions were aimed at ensuring that India’s energy supplies remain uninterrupted amid escalating tensions in West Asia.
With the ongoing regional conflict raising concerns about disruptions to shipping, New Delhi moved quickly to secure safe passage for its energy imports. Sources said the objective of the diplomatic engagement was to keep the sea route open for Indian vessels so that shipments of crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LPG) continue without major disruption. India relies heavily on energy imports, making stability in the Gulf shipping lanes critical for its energy security.
Jaishankar also held consultations with other key international counterparts on the issue. The External Affairs Minister spoke with Sergey Lavrov of Russia and Jean-Nol Barrot of France to discuss the evolving situation and efforts to maintain stability in the region’s critical shipping lanes. Earlier this month, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that the Strait of Hormuz had been effectively closed to shipping and warned that any vessel attempting to pass through the strategic waterway could be targeted.
Disruptions linked to the ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran, along with instability around the Strait of Hormuz, have triggered a shortage of commercial LPG in India, severely affecting the hospitality sector. Industry groups say deliveries have been halted since Sunday, leaving many establishments struggling to operate. Nearly 20 per cent of hotels and restaurants in Mumbai have reportedly shut down, while the Chennai Hotels Association has urged Narendra Modi to ensure urgent LPG supplies.
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