Kumar Bahukhandi
Mundra Port (PTI File image)
Two Indian-flagged vessels carrying LPG were granted transit through the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian authorities. One of them is Shivalik, while the other is Nanda Devi
Kachchh: The Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) tanker Shivalik, which recently crossed the Strait of Hormuz, is set to arrive at Mundra Port in Gujarat on Monday March 16, 2026 .
Two Indian-flagged vessels carrying LPG were granted transit through the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian authorities. One of them is Shivalik, while the other is Nanda Devi.
Earlier, Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary in the Shipping Ministry, informed on Saturday that the vessels Shivalik and Nanda Devi are expected to arrive on March 16 and March 17, respectively.
“All Indian seafarers in the Persian Gulf region are safe, and no untoward incidents involving them have been reported over the last 24 hours. There were 24 Indian-flagged vessels in the Persian Gulf, situated to the west of the Strait of Hormuz. Among these, two vessels — Shivalik and Nanda Devi — are LPG carriers. They safely transited the Strait of Hormuz late last night/early this morning and are now proceeding towards India,” the secretary said.
“These vessels are carrying approximately 92,700 metric tonnes of LPG. Their ports of arrival will be Mundra and Kandla, with expected arrival dates of March 16 and March 17, respectively. Consequently, there are now 22 Indian-flagged vessels remaining in the Persian Gulf, carrying a total of 611 seafarers,” he added.
Earlier, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar advocated direct dialogue with Tehran as the most efficient way to resume maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, as India seeks to safeguard its energy security amid escalating tensions in West Asia.
In an interview with the Financial Times UK, the Union Minister said New Delhi is engaging with Iran to facilitate the reopening of the vital waterway, which handles nearly 20 per cent of global oil trade.
He noted that these discussions are “already yielding some results,” suggesting that India finds it more effective to “reason and coordinate” with Tehran rather than disengage.
“Certainly, from India’s perspective, it is better that we reason and we coordinate and we get a solution than we don’t. While this is a welcome development, there is continuing conversation because there is continued work on that,” Jaishankar said.
The minister highlighted the recent passage of Shivalik and Nanda Devi as a practical success of this diplomatic strategy.
The tankers, carrying approximately 92,712 metric tonnes of LPG, are currently en route to the Indian ports of Mundra and Kandla. However, Jaishankar clarified that a formal “blanket arrangement” for all Indian-flagged ships has not yet been established. He explained that the transit of vessels is currently being managed on a “case-by-case basis.”
Meanwhile, the representative of Iran’s Supreme Leader in India, Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi, on Saturday reiterated that Indian vessels would be allowed to pass through the strategically significant Strait of Hormuz amid the conflict in West Asia.
Speaking in an interview with ANI, Ilahi responded affirmatively when asked whether Indian ships would be allowed to pass through the strait, saying, “Of course, of course. Yes.
” When asked to elaborate further, Ilahi said, “I heard that our embassy tried to provide an opportunity for some Indian ships to cross the Strait of Hormuz.”
( Source : ANI )
