• Source:JND

Iran Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said that India along with other "friendly nations" are allowed to continue using Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for shipping. The conflict in the Middle East has affected global supplies, pushing oil markets into a deep crisis. The war, which began on February 28, initially focused on destroying Iran’s nuclear ambition, however, it is now centred around the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, blocked by Tehran in retaliation for attacks carried out by the United States and Israel.

Strait of Hormuz is a narrow shipping lane between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, that handles roughly 20 per cent of global oil and LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas). As per Araghchi, China, Russia, India, Iraq, and Pakistan have been allowed movement through the Strait of Hormuz.

Why Has Iran Allowed India To Use Strait Of Hormuz

India's 'Diplomatic Balancing' Act

India has maintained parallel relations with two conflicting states, like Israel and Iran, which has been a key strategy of India’s foreign policy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday referred to the Middle East conflict and highlighted that even in the harsh conditions, India is moving ahead with the resolve of progress, development and trust. PM Modi added that at a time when the world is divided into multiple blocs, India has built strong and wide-ranging partnerships.

ALSO READ: Trump Claims Iran 'Begging' For Deal But Misleading Public, Warns Tehran To 'Get Serious Before It's Too Late'

"People often ask, 'Whose side are we on?' My answer is, 'We stand with India. We stand with India's interests. We stand with peace and dialogue'," PM Modi said.

India’s foreign policy has steered clear of formal military alliances, opting instead to protect global energy lifelines and project stability

Jaishankar's Diplomatic Efforts

Amid the escalated tensions in the Middle East, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has been constantly in touch with his Iranian counterpart Seyed Abbas Araghchi. On multiple occasions since the war between Iran and Israel-US began on February 28, the foreign minister has been taking updates on developments including safety of Indian ships and the larger impact of the conflict on India.

ALSO READ: Metformin Found To Affect Brain, Opening New Treatment Pathways For Diabetes, Study Shows

India's Connection To Chabahar Port

Chabahar Port, located in the southeastern region on the Gulf of Oman, is the only oceanic port of Iran. India has undertaken to develop the Shahid Beheshti Port at Chabahar, by equipping and operating General Cargo and Container Terminal for a period of 10 years. The port provides India with a direct maritime and land route to Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan.

There have also been media reports suggesting that India has already transferred its full committed amount of USD 120 million to Iran, with the final tranche paid in August 2025. Reuters has reported that India is currently managing the project through local Iranian staff to avoid violating US sanctions. Chabahar, as a result, stands out as a testament to the strong strategic partnership and deepening cooperation between India and Iran over the years.


Also In News