Two Indian-flagged ships have reportedly been allowed to pass through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran, even as most vessels remain stranded due to fears of being caught in the crossfire.Sources said the ships began transiting safely through the narrow maritime corridor between Wednesday night and Thursday morning. However, an official confirmation from the Government of India is still awaited.

The development comes at a time when maritime traffic in the region has sharply declined following military tensions triggered by strikes involving the United States and Israel against Iran. Since the escalation began on February 28, many vessels have halted operations in the region over security concerns.

Earlier this week, a Liberian-flagged tanker carrying crude from Saudi Arabia, captained by an Indian national, successfully crossed the strait and docked in Mumbai. It became the first India-bound vessel to transit the passage safely since tensions intensified in West Asia.

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Meanwhile, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi to discuss the latest developments in the regional conflict and its implications for maritime security.The situation remains tense as Iran has warned vessels to obtain permission before crossing the strait. Alireza Tangsiri, commander of the navy of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), said ships ignoring such warnings risk being targeted.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints, with more than 20 million barrels of crude oil—about one-fifth of global oil consumption—passing through it daily. Any disruption in the waterway can have major consequences for global energy markets and supply chains.

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