S. Jaishankar said direct engagement with Iran has proven the most effective way for India to secure safe passage for its vessels through the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing conflict in the region.
In an interview with the Financial Times, India’s external affairs minister said his discussions with Iranian officials had produced results and that communication between the two sides was continuing.
“If it is yielding results for me, I would naturally continue to look at it,” Jaishankar said, noting that “many more” Indian-flagged ships still need to cross the strategic waterway.
He clarified that each vessel had been allowed through individually and that there was no “blanket arrangement” between India and Iran.
Jaishankar also stressed that Tehran had received nothing in return for allowing Indian ships to pass.
“It’s not an exchange issue,” he said. “India and Iran have a relationship, and this is a conflict that we regard as something very unfortunate.”
Passage follows Modi–Pezeshkian call
The remarks came days after Iran allowed two India-flagged LPG carriers to sail through the Strait of Hormuz.
The move followed a phone conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian — their first contact since the war between Iran and the United States began.
It also came after Jaishankar held talks with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi.
Dozens of Indian vessels still waiting
The Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman, has been heavily affected by the conflict, with Iran targeting US- and Israel-linked vessels.
According to earlier reports, about 22 Indian-flagged ships remain stranded on the western side of the Persian Gulf. However, four vessels have so far crossed the war zone safely.
The disruption has pushed global oil prices higher, with crude hovering around $100 a barrel as the conflict entered its third week.
Trump pushes for naval protection
Meanwhile, Donald Trump has been urging US allies to send warships to help secure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil trade normally passes.
“It’s only appropriate that people who are the beneficiaries of the Strait will help to make sure that nothing bad happens there,” Trump said.
Iran says strait open to most ships
Iran maintains that the strait remains open for most international shipping.
Araghchi said the passage is only restricted for vessels linked to the United States and Israel.
“As a matter of fact, the Strait of Hormuz is open,” he said in an interview with MS Now. “It is only closed to tankers and ships belonging to our enemies — those attacking us and their allies. Others are free to pass.”
Europe unlikely to replicate India’s approach
Asked whether European countries could adopt a similar arrangement with Tehran, Jaishankar said such comparisons would be difficult.
“Each relationship frankly stands on its own merits,” he said, though he added that India would be willing to share its approach with European capitals.
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