Iran Strengthens Ties with India: Offers Navigation Support Amid US Blockade in Hormuz
In a significant diplomatic gesture, Iran has extended navigation support to India for the passage of ships through the critical Strait of Hormuz, amidst rising tensions due to a US blockade. Iranian Ambassador Mohammad Fathali emphasized the strong ties between the two nations and denied any toll charges for Indian tankers transiting the strait.
In a bold move to bolster its relationship with India, Iran has announced its readiness to provide navigation support for Indian vessels traversing the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. This announcement comes at a time when tensions are escalating due to a blockade imposed by the United States, which threatens to disrupt maritime trade in the region.
Iranian Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, highlighted the strong diplomatic ties between the two nations during a recent press briefing. He stated, "We have good contact with India regarding the passage of ships from the Strait of Hormuz. In this difficult time, we believe Iran and India share common interests and a common fate." This sentiment underscores the mutual reliance and cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the face of external pressures.
Fathali also categorically denied any claims of toll charges for Indian tankers navigating through the strait, asserting, "You can ask the Indian government if we have charged anything up to now." This statement aligns with New Delhi's position, which has consistently denied paying any tolls for its nine ships that have successfully passed through the waterway.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global oil supplies, with approximately half of India’s crude oil and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) imports passing through this narrow passage. Amidst the geopolitical turmoil, India has managed to secure nine liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tankers from Iran, despite the ongoing blockade that has left 15 Indian-flagged ships stranded in the Persian Gulf.
In a further demonstration of goodwill, the Iranian envoy expressed Iran's willingness to sell oil to any country interested in purchasing it, stating, "Iran has oil and is ready to sell to any country that wants it." This comes as India recently received its first shipment of Iranian oil in seven years, following a temporary waiver from the United States on oil purchases from Tehran. According to ship tracking data reported by Reuters, two very large crude carriers loaded with Iranian oil have successfully reached Indian ports.
The backdrop of these developments is the recent announcement by former US President Donald Trump, who declared a blockade on all Iranian Gulf ports, effective immediately. This blockade aims to restrict all maritime traffic to and from Iranian ports, raising concerns about the safety and security of vessels in the region. Trump further warned that any Iranian ship approaching the blockade would be "immediately eliminated," a statement that has heightened tensions in an already volatile area.
As the situation unfolds, the collaboration between Iran and India could play a crucial role in ensuring the stability of oil supplies and maritime navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global energy markets.