In a significant development that eases energy security concerns for New Delhi, Iran has announced that it will not impose a blockade on vessels belonging to five friendly nations, including India, in the Strait of Hormuz. Other than India, ships from Russia, China, Pakistan, and Iraq have been granted safe passage through the conflict-torn chokepoint.
In an interview with Iranian state TV, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi clarified that the Strait of Hormuz is not entirely closed, as ships from several nations with whom Iran shares friendly ties are allowed to pass through.
Which Nations Are Exempt?
| Exempt (Safe Passage) | Barred (No Passage) |
|---|---|
| India | United States |
| China | Israel |
| Russia | Gulf nations playing a role in the conflict |
| Pakistan | |
| Iraq | |
| Bangladesh (mentioned separately) |
“Many of the shipowners, or the countries that own these vessels, have contacted us and requested that we ensure their safe passage through the strait. For some of these countries that we consider friendly, or in cases where we have decided to do so for other reasons, our armed forces have provided safe passage,” Araghchi said.
“You have seen on the news: China, Russia, Pakistan, Iraq, and India. Two of its ships passed through a few nights ago, and some other countries, and even Bangladesh, I believe. These are countries that spoke with us and coordinated with us, and this will continue in the future as well, even after the war,” he added.
India’s Energy Lifeline
For India, which imports approximately 85% of its crude oil and 60% of its LPG, with a significant portion transiting through the Strait of Hormuz, this assurance provides critical stability. India has already successfully moved stranded cargoes, with four LPG tankers—Shivalik, Nanda Devi, Pine Gas, and Jag Vasant—transiting recently.
Who Is Barred?
Araghchi made it clear that vessels from the United States, Israel, and Gulf nations playing a role in the conflict will not be allowed passage.
“We are in a state of war. The region is a war zone, and there is no reason to allow the ships of our enemies and their allies to pass through. But it remains open to others,” he said.
Iran’s Show of Strength
Araghchi expressed satisfaction over Iran’s command of the strategic waterway after almost five decades. He said that when Iran announced the partial blockade, many in the world did not believe it and thought it was a bluff.
“They thought Iran did not have the courage to do such a thing. But we did it with strength. They mobilised all their abilities to stop it, but they failed. They even turned to other countries. They even appealed to those they themselves consider enemies, asking them to come and help reopen this waterway. But no one responded, because it is simply not feasible,” he mentioned.
The Strategic Context
The announcement comes amid escalating conflict in the Middle East following the US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28. The Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately 20% of the world’s oil passes, had been effectively closed since early March, causing global oil prices to surge.
Earlier this week, India purchased its first Iranian LPG cargo since 2019 after the US temporarily eased sanctions, further signaling a thaw in energy ties.
