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The latest sign that this diplomacy is working came when Iran allowed two Indian tankers — Pushpak and Parimal — to safely transit the Strait of Hormuz.
File image of India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi. (Image: PTI)
As tensions escalate in West Asia following the ongoing war involving Iran, US and Israel, the Strait of Hormuz — one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints — has become a flashpoint for global shipping. Nearly 20 per cent of the world’s crude oil typically passes through this narrow waterway, and attacks on vessels and security warnings have sharply reduced traffic through the route.
For India, the crisis poses a major strategic challenge because a large portion of its crude oil and LPG imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz. With dozens of Indian-linked vessels and hundreds of Indian seafarers in the region, New Delhi activated a multi-layered diplomatic and security response.
The latest sign that this diplomacy is working came when Iran allowed two Indian tankers — Pushpak and Parimal — to safely transit the Strait of Hormuz after talks between the foreign ministers of the two countries.
Here are eight key moves that define India’s Iran crisis diplomacy.
1. Direct diplomacy with Iran
At the centre of India’s strategy was direct engagement with Tehran. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held talks with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi amid escalating tensions in the Gulf. The discussions focused on maritime security and ensuring that the Strait of Hormuz remains open for energy shipments.
Following these diplomatic exchanges, Iran permitted Indian-flagged tankers Pushpak and Parimal to transit the strategic waterway safely, even as several Western vessels continued to face restrictions.
2. Multilateral outreach to global powers
India did not rely solely on bilateral diplomacy. New Delhi simultaneously expanded consultations with multiple international partners. These included discussions with Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, France’s Foreign Minister Jean‑Noël Barrot, and senior officials from the European Union.
The goal was to coordinate international efforts to keep key shipping lanes operational and prevent the West Asia crisis from disrupting global energy flows.
3. Naval deployment under Operation Sankalp
India has also strengthened its military presence at sea.
The Indian Navy has deployed warships in the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman under Operation Sankalp. The mission aims to ensure the safety of Indian commercial shipping and respond quickly to any threats in nearby waters.
4. Considering naval escort for merchant ships
With multiple merchant vessels stranded near the Strait of Hormuz, India is evaluating whether to provide naval escorts to ships attempting to pass through the region. Officials say such escorts could help ensure the safe transit of Indian cargo vessels through a corridor that has increasingly been targeted during the conflict.
5. Warships on standby in the region
Beyond routine patrols, India has also positioned guided-missile destroyers and frigates in strategic waters. These warships remain on standby in the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman, ready to intervene if Indian vessels face threats while navigating through high-risk zones.
6. Monitoring Indian ships and seafarers
Another major concern is the safety of Indian sailors in the region. Government data shows dozens of Indian-linked vessels and hundreds of Indian seafarers are currently present in the Persian Gulf and surrounding waters. Authorities and Indian embassies are monitoring developments around the clock to ensure their safety.
7. Crisis management and safety protocols
Indian shipping authorities have activated emergency coordination systems to deal with the evolving situation. Enhanced safety protocols, regular reporting mechanisms, and a dedicated response team have been put in place to track vessel movements and respond quickly to emergencies involving Indian crews or cargo ships.
8. Energy security contingency planning
The crisis has also triggered long-term energy planning in New Delhi. Because a significant portion of India’s oil imports passes through the Strait of Hormuz, the government and oil companies are exploring alternative supply sources from regions such as the United States and Africa.
India could also tap its strategic petroleum reserves if disruptions in shipping threaten domestic fuel supplies.
India’s approach to the Hormuz crisis combines diplomacy, naval readiness, and energy planning. The safe passage of the tankers Pushpak and Parimal is being seen as an early sign that New Delhi’s balanced engagement with regional powers may help protect its energy lifelines even amid a volatile geopolitical conflict.
March 12, 2026, 12:33 IST
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