The Embassy of Iran in India posted a direct reassurance on X on Thursday, telling India its ships face no danger in the Strait of Hormuz. Specifically, the post stated: “Our Indian friends are in safe hands, no worries.” Currently, Iran controls the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow shipping route through which approximately 20 per cent of the world’s total energy supply passes every day. Furthermore, Iran has explicitly permitted what it calls “friendly nations”, including India, China, Russia, Iraq and Pakistan, to continue using the passage during the ongoing conflict.
Our Indian friends are in safe hands, no worries 😉 https://t.co/5NqoSFlDPQ
— Iran in India (@Iran_in_India) April 1, 2026
However, the reassurance comes against a backdrop of significant disruption to Indian energy imports. Specifically, very few ships have crossed the Strait of Hormuz since the US-Israel military campaign against Iran began on February 28. Consequently, India’s energy supply chain has faced serious strain over the past month. Additionally, about 500 ships were struck in the narrow strait amid the conflict, creating one of the most significant maritime disruptions in recent memory.
Eight Indian Ships Have Successfully Exited Hormuz
Despite the ongoing blockade, at least eight Indian ships have successfully exited the Strait of Hormuz so far. Specifically, two LPG carriers, BW TYR and BW ELM, have cleared the strait, carrying a combined LPG cargo of approximately 94,000 tonnes. Together, these exits represent early progress in restoring some level of energy flow toward India. However, the number of vessels still waiting inside the strait tells a more concerning story.
Currently, 19 ships carrying energy cargo meant for India remain stranded inside the Strait of Hormuz. Specifically, an inter-ministerial briefing held on March 30 confirmed that 10 foreign-flagged vessels with cargo for India are stuck in the waterway. Furthermore, these include three vessels carrying LPG, four crude oil tankers and three liquefied natural gas carriers. Additionally, Indian-flagged vessels caught in the blockade include three LPG tankers, one LNG carrier and four crude oil tankers. Together, the stranded cargo represents a significant volume of energy that India urgently needs as global supply chains tighten.
Government Monitoring Situation Closely
Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, confirmed the details of the stranded vessels at the March 30 inter-ministerial briefing. Specifically, he outlined the breakdown of foreign and Indian-flagged ships currently unable to move through the strait. Furthermore, officials confirmed that one empty tanker inside the strait is currently undergoing LPG loading operations. Consequently, the Indian government is actively monitoring the situation and coordinating with relevant ministries to manage the energy supply impact.
Iran’s specific mention of India as a “friend” reflects the carefully maintained diplomatic relationship between New Delhi and Tehran. Specifically, India has not taken sides in the US-Israel war on Iran and has continued to engage diplomatically with all parties involved. Furthermore, India’s continued access to the Strait of Hormuz, while many other nations face complete blockade, highlights the strategic value of maintaining this neutral position. Therefore, Iran’s public reassurance to India serves both a diplomatic and an economic purpose at a time of significant global energy instability.
