- By Priyanka Koul
- Tue, 17 Mar 2026 12:02 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Iran has reportedly asked India to exchange three seized tankers in return for granting safe passage to Indian-flagged or India-bound ships through the Strait of Hormuz. However, the Indian government has dismissed these reports, insisting that Tehran is not seeking the release of the tankers as part of any agreement for ensuring safe passage for Indian vessels.
According to Reuters, India had previously seized these tankers, claiming they had concealed or altered their identities and were involved in illegal ship-to-ship transfers at sea. The Indian authorities took control of the Asphalt Star, Al Jafzia, and Stellar Ruby, accusing them of concealing their identities and engaging in unlawful activities.
Indian officials have refuted the claims, labeling the report as 'baseless'. Top government told News agency PTI that there had been no such discussions with Iranian officials, and they pointed out that the three vessels are not owned by Iran.
The tankers, which were allegedly linked to Iran, were seized by India’s coastal authorities. The Stellar Ruby is flagged by Iran, while the other two are registered in Nicaragua and Mali, Reuters reported.
Additionally, Tehran has also requested supplies of certain medicines and medical equipment. An Iranian official, citing sources, told Reuters that Iran's ambassador to New Delhi met with Indian foreign ministry officials on Monday to discuss the issue.
Meanwhile, Indian LPG carrier 'Shivalik', carrying about 40,000 metric tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas, reached Mundra Port in Gujarat on Monday evening. The carrier arrived at the port after safely transiting out of the Strait of Hormuz late last night/early this morning.
The Indian-flagged vessel, 'Jag Laadki', which sailed from the UAE, carrying about 81,000 tonnes of Murban crude oil, is also safely en route to India.
According to the Shipping Ministry all Indian seafarers in the Persian Gulf area are safe and no incident has been reported in the last 24 hours. Consequently, there are now 22 Indian-flagged vessels remaining in the Persian Gulf, carrying a total of 611 seafarers.
Global oil and gas prices have surged after Iran virtually blocked the Strait of Hormuz, 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).