Iran has permitted two Indian-flagged liquefied petroleum gas carriers to sail through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping lane that has faced disruptions. The vessels, Shivalik and Nanda Devi, were allowed passage following diplomatic discussions between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
This rare exception to Iran's blockade comes as India grapples with its worst gas crisis in decades. The Iranian military ship IRIS Lavan is docked in India, having brought 183 sailors to safety. This situation is part of the wider regional fallout from the ongoing conflict involving Iran, which has significantly impacted maritime traffic.
Separately, a chartered plane departed India carrying sailors and the bodies of crew members from an Iranian naval vessel that was sunk by a US torpedo off Sri Lanka. The warship IRIS Dena was lost on March 4, with two other Iranian vessels seeking shelter in India and Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is coordinating with the Iranian embassy regarding the repatriation of survivors.
Iran's ambassador to India has affirmed safe passage for Indian vessels, citing strong bilateral ties and shared interests.