India on Tuesday firmly denied reports suggesting that Iran had proposed an exchange involving three seized tankers in return for allowing safe passage of Indian vessels through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. The government termed such claims “baseless” and clarified that no such discussions have taken place.
MEA Dismisses Reports as Baseless
Responding to media queries, Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, categorically rejected the reports during an inter-ministerial briefing.
“There has been no discussion of this nature,” Jaiswal said, adding that the three vessels mentioned in the reports are not Iranian-owned, and there are no Iranian vessels involved in the matter.
The report had claimed that India seized three tankers—Asphalt Star, Al Jafzia, and Stellar Ruby—over allegations of identity concealment and involvement in illegal ship-to-ship fuel transfers. These vessels are reportedly anchored off Mumbai.
India Engages Diplomatically to Ensure Safe Passage
Amid rising tensions in West Asia, India confirmed that it is actively engaging with Iran and other countries to ensure the safe return of Indian ships and crew currently operating in the region.
Jaiswal stated that several Indian vessels remain in the Strait of Hormuz area, and the government’s priority is to secure their safe passage back home through diplomatic channels.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, handling over 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, making any disruption a matter of global concern.
LPG Carriers Reach India Safely
In a positive development, the Indian-flagged LPG carrier Nanda Devi arrived at Vadinar port in Gujarat’s Jamnagar on Tuesday, carrying 46,500 metric tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas for ship-to-ship transfer.
Earlier, another LPG carrier, Shivalik, had successfully reached Indian shores after safely crossing the Strait of Hormuz. The safe return of these vessels offers some relief amid ongoing tensions triggered by exchanges of drones and missiles in the region.
Indian Vessels Still in the Gulf Region
Despite these developments, 22 Indian-flagged vessels with around 611 seafarers remain in the Persian Gulf region. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and continuing diplomatic efforts to ensure their safety.
Strategic Concerns Amid Regional Tensions
The ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran has heightened concerns over maritime security and energy supply chains. India, heavily dependent on energy imports, is taking proactive diplomatic measures to safeguard its interests and ensure uninterrupted trade routes.
Officials reiterated that talks with Iran and other stakeholders are ongoing, with a focus on both maritime safety and humanitarian considerations.
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