Amid rising tensions in the Persian Gulf and concerns over maritime security, Iran’s Ambassador to India Mohammad Fathali signalled that India could receive safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route.
Speaking to reporters, the envoy suggested that developments ensuring India’s access through the strategic waterway could emerge soon.
“Yes, because India is our friend. You will see it within two or three hours,” Fathali said when asked whether India would receive safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
The remarks come at a time when shipping movements through the narrow corridor linking the Persian Gulf to global markets are being closely watched due to the ongoing conflict in the region.
When asked directly whether India would be able to transit safely through the Strait of Hormuz, the ambassador indicated that positive developments were expected.
“Yes, yes, you can see that in the future. I think that after two or three hours,” he said.
Fathali described India as an important partner for Iran and pointed to shared interests between the two countries in the region.
“We believe that Iran and India share common interests in the region,” he said.
The ambassador also spoke about the broader relationship between New Delhi and Tehran, describing it as one built on friendship and cooperation.
“We believe that Iran and India are friends. We have common interests, we have common faith,” he said.
Fathali also referred to India’s role in supporting Iran during difficult periods.
“As ambassador in India, I say that the government of India in this situation, after the war, helped us in different fields,” he said.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important maritime routes, through which a significant portion of global oil and gas shipments pass.
Disruption in the passage is already having implications for energy markets and international trade, including for India, which imports a large share of its crude oil through the region.
Fathali’s remarks suggesting safe passage for India come as governments and shipping companies closely monitor developments around the Strait amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
