India is exploring diplomatic channels, including discussions with Iran, to ensure the safe passage of nine tankers in the Persian Gulf amidst escalating attacks that jeopardize a fragile ceasefire.
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India is weighing a range of options, including direct talks with Iran, to ensure the safe passage of at least nine Indian-flagged tankers stranded in the Persian Gulf as renewed attacks around the Strait of Hormuz continue to disrupt shipping despite a fragile interim ceasefire, Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the matter.
According to the report, the Narendra Modi government is closely monitoring the movement of the vessels, which are carrying crude oil and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), amid growing concerns over the safety of cargo and crew in one of the world’s busiest energy corridors.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is expected to engage with Iranian authorities to seek assurances over the safety of Indian seafarers operating in the region. The discussions are part of New Delhi’s broader efforts to protect its energy supplies and citizens as tensions persist.
Official sources told Times Now that only nine Indian-flagged vessels remain in the Persian Gulf region, west of the Strait of Hormuz, with 198 Indian seafarers onboard.
Indian seafarers died in last strikes
This comes after a Qatari liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker carrying four Indian crew members was struck by a projectile, triggering a fire in its engine room and raising fears of a possible explosion this week. The vessel, which was sailing from Ras Laffan in Qatar to Dahej in Gujarat, was attacked in the Gulf of Oman near the Strait of Hormuz. Despite the damage, the tanker is continuing its voyage, ANI reported, citing sources.
Six vessels bound for destinations including India attempted to cross just hours after Washington’s Tuesday strikes. However, at least one India-flagged supertanker, Lila Vadinar, reversed course after reaching the tip of Oman’s Musandam Peninsula, an example of heightened concern among ship operators, according to Bloomberg.