Tehran/New Delhi, March 26: Iran has allowed select “friendly nations,” including India, to continue using the strategic Strait of Hormuz, even as the crucial shipping route remains restricted amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said the strait is “not completely closed” but “closed only to enemies,” adding that safe passage has been ensured for countries such as India, China, Russia, Iraq, and Pakistan.
The Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime corridor handling nearly 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies, has been at the centre of the conflict that began on February 28 following U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran. Tehran had blocked the route in retaliation, triggering disruptions in global energy markets and raising concerns over supply chains.
India’s continued access to the strait is being seen as a result of its calibrated diplomatic approach. New Delhi has maintained balanced ties with both Iran and Israel, focusing on safeguarding its energy interests while avoiding formal military alignments.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated India’s stance amid global divisions, stating that the country stands for “peace and dialogue” and prioritises its national interests.
Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has been in regular contact with his Iranian counterpart to monitor developments, particularly concerning the safety of Indian vessels and the broader impact of the conflict.
The strategic partnership between India and Iran has also been reinforced through projects such as the development of Chabahar Port, which provides India with crucial access to Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan.
Globally, concerns are mounting over the prolonged disruption of the Strait of Hormuz. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that the closure is “choking the movement of oil, gas and fertiliser” at a critical time, while urging an immediate end to the conflict.
The situation remains volatile, with the partial reopening of the strait offering limited relief even as geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties persist.
