India seeks safe exit for 36 ships from Strait of Hormuz

India is exploring options to safely evacuate dozens of vessels flying its flag from the Strait of Hormuz region as tensions linked to the conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran disrupt maritime traffic along one of the world’s most critical oil routes.

Indian authorities are considering ways to escort 36 Indian-flagged ships out of the crisis-affected area, the Hindustan Times reported, citing sources familiar with the matter.

“Government is exploring options to escort Indian-flagged ships from the crisis-hit Strait of Hormuz region as tensions between the US-Israeli alliance and Iran disrupt maritime movement along one of the world’s most vital oil routes,” the newspaper quoted a source as saying.

According to the report, all 36 vessels currently located in the strait and nearby waters are safe and have sufficient provisions on board. The ships are also adhering to heightened security protocols.

On March 2, Ebrahim Jabbari, a major general in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, warned that the Strait of Hormuz—through which roughly one-fifth of global oil exports passes—would be closed to shipping because of the military operation conducted by Israel and the United States against the Islamic Republic.

However, on March 5, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the strait had not been formally closed, explaining that ships and tankers were choosing not to cross it out of concern about potential strikes from either side.

By Tamilla Hasanova