India has sent ships back through the Strait of Hormuz for the first time since February, marking a significant step toward restoring one of the world’s most important trade and energy corridors after nearly four months of disruption.

Speaking in New Delhi on Tuesday, Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs, confirmed that two Indian vessels have now crossed into the Persian Gulf, while additional India-bound ships have successfully navigated the waterway as commercial traffic slowly resumes.

The development comes after months of turmoil triggered by the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, which effectively shut down one of the global economy’s most critical shipping routes.

The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf to international waters and serves as a major artery for global energy supplies. Before the conflict, roughly one-quarter of the world’s seaborne oil and approximately one-fifth of global liquefied natural gas exports moved through the narrow passage.

For India, one of the world’s largest energy importers, the route is particularly vital.

Much of the country’s crude oil, fuel products, and fertilizer shipments travel through Hormuz, making uninterrupted access critical for economic stability and agricultural production.

That access was severely disrupted after hostilities erupted on February 28.

During the conflict, merchant vessels faced attacks, naval mines were deployed, and commercial shipping activity was dramatically reduced. At various points, hundreds of vessels became stranded on both sides of the waterway as governments and shipping companies searched for safe alternatives.

India spent months coordinating diplomatic efforts to help protect and evacuate vessels connected to its shipping network while monitoring the safety of Indian crews operating in the region.

Conditions began improving following a preliminary agreement reached between the United States and Iran on June 17.

Under the arrangement, commercial vessels were granted a 60-day period of secure passage through the strait while broader negotiations continue. The agreement also included commitments aimed at restoring normal maritime traffic and improving navigation safety.

Since the announcement, shipping activity has gradually increased.

According to Indian officials, 11 India-bound vessels have already crossed the strait, including multiple crude-oil tankers carrying approximately 285,000 metric tons of oil each, an LPG carrier, additional energy shipments, and several bulk cargo vessels transporting fertilizer.

The latest crossings mark an important milestone because traffic is now moving in both directions rather than solely evacuating vessels from the region.

Jaiswal said approximately 10 Indian-flagged ships remain in the Gulf from before the conflict began, but the successful return of outbound traffic suggests confidence is slowly returning to the route.

The economic implications extend far beyond India.

The disruption of Hormuz contributed to higher global energy prices throughout the spring, increased transportation costs, and added inflationary pressure across major economies. As more vessels return to normal operations, pressure on oil prices, shipping rates, and supply chains has begun to ease.

For India, the reopening is particularly important as energy imports stabilize and fertilizer shipments resume ahead of key agricultural seasons.

Regional diplomatic efforts involving Qatar and Pakistan have also helped facilitate discussions aimed at restoring commercial activity and reducing tensions in the shipping corridor.

Despite the progress, significant risks remain.

The broader agreement between Washington and Tehran has not yet been finalized, and the current arrangement remains temporary. Iran has also indicated it may seek transit-related fees after the initial toll-free period expires, a proposal that faces opposition from both the United States and Gulf nations.

Shipping companies and marine insurers continue to monitor conditions closely, and many operators remain cautious about fully restoring pre-conflict traffic levels.

Still, after months in which India’s focus was largely on moving ships out of the Gulf, vessels are now moving back in.

For one of the world’s most important trade routes, it is an early sign that global commerce may finally be beginning to return to normal.

JBizNews Desk | New York
© JBizNews.com All Rights Reserved. Reproduction or distribution without written permission is prohibited.