India Awaits Formal Assurance from Iran on Safe Passage for Ships in Strait of Hormuz

New Delhi has clarified that it has received no official communication from the Iranian government regarding exemptions for Indian shipping vessels from navigation restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz. The development follows a claim made last week by a senior Iranian legislator suggesting that ships from specific countries would be allowed through the vital maritime route.

According to sources, Amir Hayat-Moghaddam, Deputy Chairman of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, had stated that vessels from India, China, Iraq, and Qatar were exempt from restrictions. He reportedly noted that Indian and Chinese ships would be required to pay Iranian transit fees, linking India's exemption to Iran's medicine imports from the country.

However, sources closely tracking the matter confirmed that the announcement has not been backed by any formal decision or concrete action by Tehran. As a result, India continues to engage with all concerned parties to protect Indian-flagged vessels and seafarers operating in the region.

A source familiar with the situation pointed out the operational challenges on the ground, noting that while larger shipping companies possess the capacity to navigate troubled waters, smaller operators face disproportionate risks and difficulties.

Addressing the media on Tuesday, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal acknowledged the ongoing uncertainty in the strategic waterway. He reiterated India's stance on maintaining unimpeded maritime trade and safeguarding civilian crews.

“We continue to call for safe, free, and unimpeded navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. We are in touch with all concerned parties to avoid attacks on civilian shipping and seafarers, including Indian vessels which are under the Indian flag, as well as Indian seafarers,” Jaiswal stated during the bi-weekly briefing.

The Strait of Hormuz serves as a critical global energy corridor, connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and facilitating the transport of substantial volumes of international oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG). Any prolonged disruption in the passage directly impacts energy-importing economies like India.

Beyond energy security, ongoing maritime uncertainties contribute to fluctuating shipping schedules, elevated insurance premiums, and higher freight costs, introducing operational risks for international trade and cargo movements. New Delhi maintains active diplomatic channels with multiple stakeholders, including Iran and the United States, to ensure the protection of maritime commerce and personnel.

"Geopolitical uncertainties and disruptions in critical maritime trade routes directly impact supply chains, logistics costs, and energy imports for businesses. For companies engaged in international trade, relying on informal statements without concrete regulatory or governmental guarantees introduces severe operational risks. Business leaders must closely monitor geopolitical developments, factor in potential freight and insurance volatility, and maintain active dialogue with diplomatic channels to safeguard cross-border operations and supply continuity." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes