Iran calls India a close friend, assures safe passage for ships heading to India

NEW DELHI: Iran has said that India is a close friend and that ships heading to India will be allowed to pass safely through the Strait of Hormuz. Two LPG tankers bound for India crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Friday. Iran’s assurance that Indian ships will not be attacked has brought major relief to India. Cargo movement through the strait had slowed down recently, leading to a serious shortage of LPG in the country. India has also started importing more crude oil from Russia.

On Thursday night, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke over the phone with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also spoke with Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi. Iran announced its supportive stance shortly after these conversations.

Iran’s ambassador to India, Mohammad Fattahi, said in New Delhi on Friday that ships heading to India will be allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz in the coming days. He said India and Iran share common interests and that India has supported Iran in several sectors.

Iran had earlier restricted movement through the Strait after tensions escalated following attacks by the United States and Israel against Iran. Iran has reportedly destroyed 18 ships that violated the restrictions and tried to pass through the strait. One of them was a ship from Thailand carrying cargo to India.

During the phone conversation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi requested Iran to ensure safe passage for ships coming to India. He also expressed concern about the safety of Indian citizens and reiterated that India believes all issues should be resolved through dialogue.

Two Indians killed in Oman drone attack
Meanwhile, two Indians were killed in an Iranian drone attack in Sohar in Oman. Eleven people, including ten Indians, were injured in the attack. The drone struck the Al Awahi industrial area in Sohar. Another drone fell in a nearby deserted area. According to India’s External Affairs Ministry, five of the injured have already been discharged from the hospital. Efforts are underway to bring the bodies of the victims back to India.

Earlier, an Indian sailor was killed when an Iranian drone attacked an American oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz. In another incident on March 11, 15 Indian crew members on the ship Safe Sea Vishnu, which was attacked near Iraqi waters, were safely evacuated.

Strait of Hormuz situation so far
Ships attacked: 18
Sailors killed: 8 (including 3 Indians)
Missing persons: 7 (including 1 Indian)