Indian Navy escorts LPG tankers after Hormuz crossing; Iran envoy says embassy helped secure passage

The Indian Navy has deployed warships to escort two Indian-flagged liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tankers, Shivalik and Nanda Devi, through the Gulf of Oman after regional tensions escalated following recent attacks involving the United States, Israel and Iran. The escort operation aims to ensure the safe passage of Indian commercial vessels carrying critical fuel supplies through one of the world's most sensitive maritime corridors.

Satellite tracking data has confirmed the presence of three Indian Navy warships in the Gulf of Oman, providing escort to merchant vessels. Satellite imagery analyst Damien Symon said, "Three Indian Navy warships appear to have arrived in the Gulf of Oman, likely to escort merchant vessels amid the tense security situation in the region. Indian-flagged LPG tanker SHIVALIK, IMO 9356892, is currently being escorted as per tracking data."

Symon also cautioned about the reliability of vessel tracking in the area, noting, "These positions might fluctuate due to ongoing GPS disturbances in the region. Current positions should be treated as estimates and are subject to change." The region has witnessed frequent navigational challenges due to electronic interference, complicating monitoring and operational planning for all stakeholders involved.

India's efforts have also been reinforced through high-level diplomatic engagement. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has met Iran's Seyed Abbas Araghchi four times since the crisis began. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also discussed the safe transit of Indian vessels with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

Iran's Supreme Leader's representative in India, Dr Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi, reiterated that Indian vessels would be allowed safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz amid concerns over shipping disruptions due to the ongoing Gulf conflict.

His remarks came as India's shipping ministry confirmed that the two Indian-flagged LPG carriers safely crossed the war-hit strait early Saturday morning and are now heading towards Mundra and Kandla ports in Gujarat, carrying around 92,700 tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas.

Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary in the Ministry of Shipping, said during a media briefing that the vessels are expected to dock in India on March 16 or 17. The ships were among 24 vessels stranded on the western side of the Strait of Hormuz after the conflict escalated in the region.

The Shipping Corporation of India confirmed that both vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz on March 14 and are now en route to Indian ports. Shivalik is expected to arrive at Mundra, while Nanda Devi is likely to dock at Kandla in the coming days.

According to Symon, "Second Indian-flagged LPG tanker NANDA DEVI appears to be moving away from the Gulf of Oman and may join the Indian Navy escort group currently assisting SHIVALIK as both tankers head towards India."

The coordinated movement of these ships under naval escort highlights India's commitment to ensuring the uninterrupted flow of strategic cargo amid heightened international tensions. The safe transit of the vessels reflects a broader effort by Indian authorities to secure the country's merchant fleet through a combination of naval deployment and diplomatic engagement.