India Maintains Vital Trade Routes Through Strait of Hormuz Amid 2026 Crisis
New Delhi: India has managed to keep vital maritime trade moving through the Strait of Hormuz despite one of the world’s most important shipping corridors remaining severely disrupted by geopolitical tensions and security threats.
The development comes as the blockade of the Strait enters its third month, continuing to affect global energy markets and international shipping routes. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most strategically important waterways, connecting the Persian Gulf to international waters between Iran and Oman. Nearly 20 per cent of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments normally pass through the narrow channel, making it a critical route for energy-importing nations such as India, China, Japan and South Korea.
Why the Strait of Hormuz Matters
The conflict that erupted on February 28 following US-Israeli strikes on Iranian targets triggered a sharp escalation in the region. Iran responded by tightening control over the Strait, resulting in a virtual blockade and a dramatic reduction in maritime traffic. Although active fighting largely ceased after a ceasefire between Tehran and Washington on April 9, shipping activity has not returned to pre-conflict levels.
How India Kept Vessels Moving
At an inter-ministerial briefing on Friday, officials from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways explained that India has relied on close coordination between multiple government departments to ensure the movement of essential cargo. Opesh Kumar Sharma, Director (Shipping) at the ministry, said operational details could not be disclosed due to security considerations.
According to Sharma, coordination is carried out through the Ministry of External Affairs, while shipment priorities are determined jointly with the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and the Ministry of Fertilisers. Based on these priorities, the government develops coordinated plans to facilitate the movement of vessels carrying critical commodities. The strategy has helped India maintain supplies of crude oil, LPG, fertilisers and other essential imports despite the security challenges in the region.
Indian Vessels Operating in Hormuz
Government officials disclosed that around 13 Indian-flagged vessels are presently operating in the Strait of Hormuz region. These include one LPG tanker, five crude oil tankers, one chemical or product tanker, three container ships, two bulk carriers and one dredger. The continued presence of Indian vessels highlights New Delhi’s efforts to keep trade flowing even as many international shipping operators remain reluctant to enter the high-risk zone.
Incidents Involving Indian-Linked Vessels
Earlier, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reportedly targeted two Indian-flagged ships in the Strait, forcing them to reverse course amid heightened tensions. The incidents underscored the risks faced by commercial shipping after Iran announced stricter controls over maritime traffic in response to developments linked to the regional conflict.
Tankers Slowly Begin Leaving the Gulf
While the Strait remains heavily restricted, shipping data indicates that some vessels have begun cautiously resuming transit. According to maritime tracking information compiled by Bloomberg, 29 of the 109 large non-Iranian oil tankers trapped inside the Persian Gulf when the conflict began have now successfully exited through the Strait of Hormuz. Most crossings have reportedly occurred under unusual circumstances.
Several tankers switched off their Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponders during transit, effectively “going dark” to reduce exposure to potential attacks. Some vessels are also reported to have travelled at night while crossing the chokepoint. The vessels that have exited are carrying an estimated 520 million barrels of oil, a significant portion of global crude supplies.
Original Article: India Maintains Vital Trade Routes Through Strait of Hormuz Amid 2026 Crisis — Mathrubhumi