Iran-Israel War: Amid rising oil prices driven by the ongoing conflict in West Asia, Iran assured the safe passage of Indian-flagged ships late on Tuesday following a telephonic conversation between India’s External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, and his Iranian counterpart, Seyed Abbas Araghchi. As the world's third-largest oil consumer, India’s energy security remains a priority amidst the turmoil. 

This development follows reports from Indian officials confirming that Indian-flagged tankers have been allowed to transit the critical Strait of Hormuz.

A statement released after the talks highlighted Iran’s position that the United States should be held accountable for the insecurity and challenges faced by vessels navigating the Persian Gulf. However, neither side explicitly mentioned any formal agreement concerning the safe passage of Indian ships through the region.

On Thursday, a ship carrying crude oil from Saudi Arabia arrived in Mumbai via the Strait of Hormuz, according to Reuters. The Liberia-flagged tanker Shenlong Suezmax is the first crude oil carrier to reach India from West Asia since the Iran war began. Two other foreign-flagged ships recently passed through the Strait of Hormuz and are also scheduled to reach India. The tanker loaded crude at Ras Tanura port in Saudi Arabia on 1 March and departed on 3 March. Maritime tracking data showed the vessel in the Strait of Hormuz on 8 March before it temporarily went off the tracking systems.

According to the souces of Jagran.com, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and the Foreign Minister of Iran have had three conversations in recent days, where the Iranian side assured the safe passage of Indian-flagged vessels late on Tuesday. 

According to Reuters, a ship carrying crude oil from Saudi Arabia arrived in Mumbai via the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday. The Liberia-flagged tanker Shenlong Suezmax is the first crude oil carrier to reach India from West Asia since the Iran war began. Two other foreign-flagged ships recently passed through the Strait of Hormuz and are also scheduled to reach India. The tanker loaded crude at Ras Tanura port in Saudi Arabia on 1 March and departed on 3 March. Maritime tracking data showed the vessel in the Strait of Hormuz on 8 March before it temporarily went off the tracking systems.

However, neither side explicitly mentioned any formal agreement concerning the safe passage of Indian ships through the region. Earlier on Thursday, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal admitted to Jaishankar's conversation with the Iranain side on energy security but refrained from sharing additional information. 

Although, Indian authorities reaffirmed that the safety of Indian ships and sailors remains a top priority, and that they are in constant communication with the relevant countries to address any concerns.

This comes amid a series of attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil trade between Iran and Oman. The waterway has become increasingly risky as tensions escalate in the region.

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In a related development, the Trump administration had previously granted a temporary authorisation allowing other countries to purchase Russian oil stranded at sea, as there were no immediate signs of an end to the US conflict with Iran. A similar waiver had been granted to India to purchase Russian oil, as part of efforts to alleviate rising oil prices that have spiked since the war began on 28 February.

Meanwhile, India's Shipping Ministry announced on Wednesday that, at present, 28 Indian-flagged vessels are operating in the Persian Gulf region. Of these, 24 vessels are located west of the Strait of Hormuz, carrying 677 Indian seafarers, while four vessels are east of the Strait, with 101 Indian seafarers onboard. The Ministry stated that their safety and security are being actively monitored.

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A 24-hour control room has been operational in the Ministry and the Directorate General of Shipping since 28 February 2026 to monitor developments and coordinate assistance. Authorities, ship managers and recruitment agencies are coordinating closely with Indian embassies and local authorities to ensure safety and provide assistance to Indian seafarers wherever required.