Signs of normalcy are beginning to return to one of the world's most important maritime trade routes after the recent de-escalation agreement between the United States and Iran. The Indian government on Tuesday said that 11 merchant vessels carrying crude oil, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and fertilisers for India have successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz since the two countries reached an understanding aimed at reducing tensions in the region.
The development comes as a relief for India, which depends heavily on imported energy supplies and closely monitors any disruption in the Persian Gulf region.
Speaking at a media briefing, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the movement of vessels in both directions indicates that maritime traffic through the strategically important waterway is gradually resuming after months of uncertainty.
Hope for Indian Ships Still Stuck in the Gulf
Apart from the vessels that have already crossed into Indian waters, New Delhi is now hoping that 10 Indian-flagged ships that were stranded west of the Strait of Hormuz following the outbreak of hostilities in February will soon be able to resume their journey.
According to the government, two Indian ships have already sailed from India into the Persian Gulf, signaling growing confidence among shipping operators as restrictions ease.
The Strait of Hormuz serves as one of the world's busiest energy corridors, connecting oil-producing Gulf nations with major importers across Asia, including India, China, Japan and South Korea. Any disruption in the narrow waterway often triggers concerns over energy security and rising fuel prices.
What Changed After the US-Iran Agreement?
The improvement in maritime movement follows a 14-point memorandum of understanding signed by Iran and the United States on June 17. The agreement lays out measures aimed at reducing tensions in West Asia and creating conditions for broader negotiations between the two countries.
Since the conflict escalated earlier this year, India had repeatedly called for freedom of navigation and the uninterrupted flow of energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz. The reopening of shipping lanes is therefore being viewed as a positive development for global trade as well as India's energy needs.
According to official figures shared by the government, the 11 India-bound vessels that have crossed the strait since the agreement include three Indian-flagged crude oil tankers carrying approximately 285,000 metric tonnes each, one foreign-flagged crude oil tanker, one LPG carrier and six bulk carriers transporting fertilisers.
Could India Resume Larger Oil Purchases From Iran?
The easing of tensions has also reignited discussions around India's energy relationship with Iran.
Responding to questions on the possibility of increasing oil imports from Tehran, the External Affairs Ministry maintained that India's energy procurement strategy remains guided by national interest and affordability.
Officials did not indicate any immediate policy shift but acknowledged that New Delhi is closely tracking developments in the region and the evolving framework between Iran and the United States.
Iran was once among India's largest crude oil suppliers before US sanctions sharply reduced bilateral energy trade. Prior to those restrictions, Iranian crude accounted for a significant portion of India's oil imports.