India Negotiates Safe Passage For 22 Ships, 611 Seafarers As Iran Urges Release Of Seized Tankers

India and Iran are in talks to help Indian ships pass safely through the Strait of Hormuz, as tensions in the Gulf continue to affect shipping.

The issue has become urgent as 22 Indian vessels with 611 seafarers are waiting west of the strait. At the same time, a dispute over three seized Iran-linked tankers is making the talks more difficult.

Indian officials said the 22 ships are currently in the Persian Gulf and cannot move freely due to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. All crew members are safe, and authorities are in regular contact with them.

The Directorate General of Shipping has set up a control room and has handled over 3,000 calls and more than 5,000 emails from seafarers and their families. So far, 286 Indian seafarers have been brought back home, including 33 in the last two days.

India is giving priority to LPG shipments as the country depends heavily on the Gulf for supply. About 90% of India’s LPG imports come from this region.

At least six of the stranded ships are carrying LPG. Two Indian LPG carriers crossed the strait on March 14 with about 92,712 metric tonnes of cargo.

One has already reached India, and the other is expected soon. Ports are ready to unload the cargo quickly.

Another Indian oil tanker left the United Arab Emirates on March 14 and is on its way to India. All crew onboard are safe.

Talks are also linked to three tankers seized by India in February, Asphalt Star, Al Jafzia, and Stellar Ruby. Authorities said the ships hid their identity and carried out illegal transfers at sea. All three vessels are currently off Mumbai.

According to officials, Asphalt Star was involved in moving heavy fuel oil, which was transferred to Al Jafzia, while bitumen was moved to Stellar Ruby. Stellar Ruby is Iran-flagged, while the other two ships are registered under Nicaragua and Mali.

A person linked to the ships denied any wrongdoing and said the cargo was legal.

Iran has also asked for some medicines and medical equipment during the discussions.

Iran’s ambassador to New Delhi has met Indian officials, and talks are ongoing. India said both sides are in contact but did not confirm any deal.

Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has slowed since the conflict began in late February. The route is one of the world’s most important for oil transport. Recent attacks on ships in the area have killed three Indian sailors, and one is still missing.

India said it will continue to monitor the situation and work to ensure the safety of its ships and seafarers.

References: Reuters, shippingtelegraph

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