Another Indian tanker crosses Strait of Hormuz, reaches India with 80,800 metric tonnes crude from UAE

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Amid rising tensions in West Asia, another major Indian crude oil tanker has safely reached Gujarat after passing through the sensitive Strait of Hormuz. The Indian-flagged vessel Jag Ladki arrived at Mundra Port on Wednesday carrying around 80,800 metric tonnes of Murban crude oil from Fujairah Port in the UAE.

According to sources, the ship had departed from Fujairah on Sunday. During loading operations on Saturday, a drone attack at the Fujairah oil terminal triggered a fire, temporarily disrupting operations. However, Jag Ladki and its Indian crew remained completely safe.

The vessel departed safely the next day and successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz without any damage, becoming the fourth Indian-flagged ship to exit the conflict-affected region securely.

Earlier, two Indian LPG carriers, Shivalik and Nanda Devi, had also passed through the same route safely on Saturday, carrying a total of 92,712 tonnes of LPG. Shivalik has reached Mundra Port, while Nanda Devi arrived at Kandla Port. Additionally, another Indian tanker Jag Prakash, carrying gasoline from Sohar Port in Oman to Tanzania, also crossed the region safely on Friday.

Iran has restricted this strategic waterway for US and Israeli-linked vessels but has assured safe passage for Indian ships. In this regard, Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi clarified that the restrictions apply only to vessels associated with the United States and Israel. Following high-level talks between India and Iran, safe movement of Indian ships has been ensured.

Iran has also issued warnings regarding port areas in the UAE and advised evacuation in certain zones. Meanwhile, Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, stated that 22 Indian-flagged merchant vessels are currently present in the Persian Gulf region. These include six LPG carriers, one LNG carrier and four crude oil tankers, with a total of 611 Indian crew members onboard. The government is in constant contact with Iran to ensure their safety.

Some reports had claimed that Iran sought the release of three seized tankers in exchange for safe passage, but India has rejected these claims. This entire development is crucial for India’s energy security, as nearly 40 percent of its crude oil imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

Amid ongoing regional tensions affecting global oil supply and prices, the safe arrival of Jag Ladki is being seen as a sign of India’s strategic balance and diplomatic engagement.