NEW DELHI: Reports indicate that Iran and the United States may soon return to negotiations aimed at resolving their ongoing conflict, which has significantly impacted maritime transit through the Strait of Hormuz. This development comes as a welcome sign for over 40 India-bound vessels and numerous Indian crew members who have been stranded in the Persian Gulf for more than two months.
The vessels, many of which are carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), liquefied natural gas (LNG), crude oil, and fertilizers, are in urgent need of evacuation. Government sources have confirmed that 13 Indian-flagged ships remain in the Persian Gulf, alongside several foreign-flagged vessels transporting cargo to India that are currently immobilized west of Hormuz. A priority list has been prepared for the evacuation of 41 vessels, including 18 carrying energy products, 16 transporting fertilizers, and seven with other cargo.
Officials have highlighted the critical necessity of evacuating these ships to ensure energy security and meet the increasing fertilizer demands for the upcoming kharif sowing season. Pursuant to this, officials are in talks with shipping lines to facilitate the return of their vessels to the Persian Gulf. A list of over 22 such energy vessels has already been compiled and shared with relevant agencies. However, they stress that no movement can occur until commercial traffic is permitted in the Strait.
As previously reported on April 30, the Union shipping ministry has communicated a list of priority vessels to the Ministry of External Affairs, suggesting the potential for their evacuation through the territorial waters of Oman. An official noted, “Not just us, every country impacted due to this blockade is waiting for and hopeful of an early resolution.”
