India scores a strategic win as Iran permits its tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, courtesy of talks between Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar and Abbas Araghchi. The focus: Keeping oil and gas arteries open despite regional strife.
Vessels ‘Pushpak’ and ‘Parimal’ confirm safe passage, a privilege denied to American, European, and Israeli counterparts. This third dialogue since conflict’s start tackled Hormuz navigation head-on.
Echoing the feat, a Liberian tanker with Saudi crude, Indian-captained ‘Shenl ong Suezmax’, loaded at Ras Tanura March 1, left March 3, crossed Hormuz (March 8 sighting), and anchored in Mumbai—the first to India amid traffic slowdowns from Iran strikes.
Relief for India, where the strait funnels majority oil/gas imports fueling its economic ascent. Directorate General of Shipping notes 28 Indian ships in area since fighting; eight now safe.
List: ‘Desh Mahima’, ‘Desh Abhimaan’, ‘Swarn Kamal’, ‘Vishwa Prerna’, ‘Jag Virat’, ‘Jag Lokesh’, ‘LNGC Asim’ in Arabian Sea; ‘Jag Lakshya’ to Angola. In a tense theater, these transits promise energy stability.