Amid the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, two Indian-flagged ships—cargoed with a cargo of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)—which were granted safe passage by Iran through the Strait of Hormuz, have now successfully transited the sensitive waterway and are headed towards India. The names of these two ships are *Shivalik* and *Nanda Devi*. It is worth noting that a large consignment of LPG is being brought to India on these ships. With the cooperation of Iran and all other countries in the region, these Indian ships were safely transited through the Strait of Hormuz. After several diplomatic talks between the leadership of India and Iran over the past few days, official approval was given for the return of these two Indian ships to India.
Both ships Shivalik and Nanda Devi have now transited the Strait of Hormuz. Hopefully they will reach India soon. Importantly, the arrival of these two ships in India is considered very significant amid reports of a possible shortage of cooking gas.
Iranian ambassador promises safe passage for ships
In fact, due to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, there are reports of LPG shortage across the country. People are standing in long queues to get cooking gas. However, the government says this is all just a result of panic and there is no actual shortage in gas supply. It is important to mention that the Strait of Hormuz is one of the most sensitive sea routes in the world. On Friday evening, while answering questions from journalists, Iran’s Ambassador to India Mohammad Fathali said Iran will provide safe passage to Indian ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. After this assurance, those two Indian-flagged LPG tankers were allowed to pass through the strait.
Called Iran and India friends
Responding to questions regarding providing safe passage to ships, Iran’s Ambassador to India Mohammad Fathali said, “I firmly believe that Iran and India are friends, and our interests are interconnected.” As Iran’s Ambassador to India, I urge you that under these circumstances, India should help Iran in various fields in the post-war period.
