New Delhi, March 26: The Iranian government has included India on a list of nations allowed to use the Strait of Hormuz, providing a potential buffer against a worsening global energy crisis. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declared that the passage would be open to specific partners, including India, China, and Russia, even as hostilities between Iran and the U.S. persist.
This diplomatic shift occurs as the Iranian parliament considers a draft bill to charge fees for providing security to vessels in the strait. Lawmakers stated that the proposal seeks to formally recognize Iran’s sovereignty and oversight while creating a new revenue stream through the collection of tolls.
In New Delhi, the Ministry of Shipping confirmed that maritime operations remain unaffected for national carriers. Special Secretary Rajesh Sinha affirmed that no maritime incidents involving Indian ships have been reported in the last 24 hours. He asserted that the Pine Gas and the Jag Vasant, both carrying LPG, have safely crossed the strategic point and are heading home.
The Iranian mission to the UN maintained that ships belonging to non-hostile states may utilize the route provided they do not support acts of aggression against Iran and comply with all security regulations. However, the United Nations has called for an immediate end to the war, with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres declaring that the closure of the strait is harming civilians globally by choking off energy and agricultural supplies.
