Navigating Tensions: India's Shipping Routes Amid US-Iran Conflict

As tensions rise between the US and Iran, India's shipping routes are under scrutiny. Despite a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, numerous tankers have successfully navigated around it, raising questions about maritime strategies. Experts suggest alternative routes that involve navigating through Iranian and Pakistani waters. This article delves into the complexities of maritime navigation amid geopolitical conflicts and the implications for India's trade. Discover how Indian vessels are managing to bypass the blockade and what challenges lie ahead for maritime operations in this critical region.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 28, 2026, 20:37 IST

US-Iran Tensions and Maritime Navigation

In response to Iran's refusal to yield, the United States has imposed a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. This action has revealed the limitations of naval power in one of the world's busiest maritime routes. The US Navy has been deployed in the Gulf of Oman to monitor and control vessels traversing this critical passage. However, they have not been entirely successful in enforcing a complete blockade.

Tankers Evading the Blockade

Reports indicate that numerous tankers have successfully navigated around the blockade. Experts have pointed to a route that allows ships to travel directly from Iran's Kharg Island to Mumbai. A recent example is the Indian vessel 'Desh Garima,' which crossed the strait and docked in Mumbai last Wednesday, despite two other Indian ships, 'Jag Arnav' and 'Sanmar Herald,' being targeted by Iranian attacks.

Increased Maritime Traffic Post-Blockade

The 'Desh Garima' transported 97,000 metric tons of crude oil from Qatar's Ras Laffan. Since the blockade began on April 13, over 30 other tankers have reportedly passed through Hormuz. There are also discussions about non-Indian vessels departing from Iran towards India, although neither country has confirmed or denied these claims.

Monitoring Maritime Movements

A recent article by a financial publication highlighted the movements of dozens of vessels entering and exiting the Persian Gulf. It reported that at least 34 tankers linked to Iran have evaded the US blockade since its implementation.

India's Presence in the Strait of Hormuz

According to spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, there are currently 14 Indian vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. However, questions arise regarding the routes these ships are taking to reach India and whether they align with expert predictions.

Potential Shipping Routes

Jim Bianco, president of Bianco Research, shared insights on a possible route for Indian vessels, suggesting they could navigate close to Iranian waters before entering Pakistani maritime territory. Experts have been asked whether Indian ships can indeed use this route to exit the Strait of Hormuz and what other options might be available.

Navigating Through Pakistani Waters

According to reports, if tankers are loaded at Kharg Island, which accounts for about 90% of Iran's crude oil exports, they could exit through the Persian Gulf and Oman Gulf. The first suggested route follows the lengthy Makran coast of Pakistan, allowing vessels to move from Iranian waters to Pakistani waters without entering international waters.

Legal Considerations for Passage

Despite the technical feasibility of this route, it complicates matters for India as it involves navigating through Pakistani waters. Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), coastal nations control their territorial waters up to 12 nautical miles. Foreign commercial vessels have the right to innocent passage, meaning they can transit without interruption, provided they do not pose a threat.

Expert Opinions on Maritime Navigation

Defense expert and journalist Sandeep Unnithan noted that there should be no issue for Pakistani commercial vessels to pass through Indian waters, and vice versa. Even warships can transit through territorial waters, but they must obtain permission from the respective country, which may not always be granted.

Navigating the Blockade

A retired senior officer from the Indian Navy provided a technical perspective on how Indian vessels might navigate through the US blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. According to the former commodore, the blockade primarily targets ships entering or leaving Iranian ports. Neutral vessels, such as those flying the Indian flag or carrying goods to India, are not directly targeted by the blockade, posing minimal risk from US forces. However, threats from the Iranian side remain, as they have shown a willingness to fire upon vessels.

Challenges in Maritime Trade

The situation is further complicated by the fact that most of India's trade occurs through foreign-flagged vessels. During conflicts, insurance premiums can rise sharply, leading many commercial operators to avoid the region.