Indian tankers will pass through Hormuz: A way out was found after talks between Foreign Minister Jaishankar and Araghchi, a major relief.

Amid the ongoing tensions in West Asia and the Iran-Israel-US conflict, India has achieved a major diplomatic success. Iran has granted Indian-flagged oil tankers safe passage through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. This development comes after high-level talks between Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

Permission granted to these two tankers

Following this, at least two Indian tankers, Pushpak and Parimal, are safely transiting the Strait of Hormuz, the same sea route where the movement of many international ships has been affected due to the escalating tensions.

According to sources, restrictions remain in place on many ships connected to the US, Europe, and Israel, but the relief granted to Indian tankers has somewhat alleviated concerns about India's energy supply.

Earlier, a Liberian-flagged oil tanker carrying crude oil from Saudi Arabia and commanded by an Indian captain safely transited the Strait of Hormuz two days ago and arrived at the Mumbai port. This is believed to be the first ship to reach India amid the current crisis.

Impact of the War

The conflict, which began after attacks on Iran by the US and Israel, has now entered its 12th day. The escalating tension has virtually paralyzed maritime traffic in the region and caused a sharp surge in global oil prices.

Iran has also imposed strict restrictions on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz during this period. Tehran maintains that only ships not linked to US and Israeli interests can safely pass through.

Why is the Strait of Hormuz important?

The Strait of Hormuz is a 55-kilometer-wide sea route between Iran and Oman, connecting the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea. It is one of the world's busiest and most strategic sea routes.

Under normal circumstances, approximately 13 million barrels of oil pass through it daily, representing approximately 31 percent of the global oil supply.

Disruption of this route directly impacts the exports of major oil-producing countries such as Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Iran.

A large portion of the world's liquefied natural gas (LNG) also passes through this route.

Therefore, escalating tensions here have an immediate impact on global markets, supply chains, and energy prices.

According to defense analysts, Iran possesses anti-ship missiles, drones, fast attack boats, and landmines that can target ships throughout the Strait of Hormuz region. This is why the escalating tensions along this sea route pose a serious concern for global energy security.

Implications for India

The safe passage of Indian tankers, while Iran targets foreign ships, is seen as a result of India's independent diplomacy. This move will help in keeping India's energy supply chain running smoothly even in the current situation of war and blockade.