The second Indian-flagged LPG carrier, Nanda Devi LPG tanker, has successfully exited the strategic Strait of Hormuz, days after the vessel Shivalik LPG tanker cleared the same route following assurances from Iran for safe passage to Indian ships amid rising tensions in the Middle East.
Government sources said on Saturday that the tanker Shivalik has already crossed the strait and reached open waters.
The vessel is currently being escorted by the Indian Navy and is expected to arrive at an Indian port within the next two days, with Mumbai or Kandla likely to be its destination.
The second vessel, Nanda Devi, which was navigating the same sensitive route, has also safely exited the Strait of Hormuz.
Officials said the tanker is transporting more than 46,000 metric tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), a key component of India’s energy supply chain.
Both ships are being closely guided by Indian naval assets to ensure safe transit through the strategically sensitive waters, sources added.
The development comes after a high-level discussion between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Masoud Pezeshkian, the President of Iran, regarding the uninterrupted movement of goods and energy supplies.
Earlier, Iran’s ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, indicated that Indian ships could soon receive safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz despite escalating tensions in the region.
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He said India and Iran share common interests and longstanding ties, suggesting cooperation to ensure the safe movement of vessels.
The remarks followed a statement by Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi that Tehran had allowed ships from certain countries to pass through the waterway.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most crucial maritime corridors, with nearly 20 per cent of global oil and gas shipments passing through it.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said the number of Indian-flagged vessels operating in the Persian Gulf region currently stands at 28, with authorities closely monitoring all ships and crew members for safety.
According to official data, 24 of these vessels carrying 677 Indian seafarers are located west of the strait, while four ships with 101 Indian crew members are positioned east of the key maritime route.
