Indian Ships Stuck in Strait of Hormuz Amid Rising US-Iran Tensions

Current Situation of Indian Vessels

Guwahati, July 16: As tensions rise between the United States and Iran, several Indian vessels find themselves stranded in the Strait of Hormuz once again.

According to officials from the Ministry of External Affairs, there are currently seven Indian ships trapped in the Strait, with ongoing negotiations aimed at their safe passage.

It has been highlighted that in order to facilitate the return of these vessels, extensive discussions must occur with both conflicting parties, as any missile strike on a ship could lead to catastrophic consequences.

Officials noted that Indian ships had previously navigated the strait without issues following a peace agreement between the USA and Iran. However, the resumption of hostilities has rendered the situation perilous once more. "India is optimistic for a resolution soon, but the evolving nature of the situation makes predictions challenging," they stated.

Should the current circumstances persist, India could face a potential shortage of LPG. While the country has been sourcing crude oil from Russia and other nations, it primarily relies on Gulf countries for LPG supplies. Although alternative sources are being utilized, they require more time and incur higher costs.

It is important to note that a peace agreement was reached between the USA and Iran on June 17, allowing vessels to transit freely through the Strait. However, following an incident on July 7, where two Omani ships carrying natural gas were hit by Iranian missiles, tensions have escalated significantly.