The world is troubled by Iran's blockade... India proudly sailed from the Strait of Hormuz! These countries also received exemptions
Iran's blockade has virtually halted traffic on the Strait of Hormuz, the world's most vital sea route, and there are fears of a global oil crisis. While countries like Japan are desperate to evacuate their ships, Indian ships have been granted safe passage through brilliant diplomacy. Find out which other countries besides India have received this special relief.
Escalating tensions in West Asia are now escalating into a major global energy crisis. Iran's conflict with the US and its allies has virtually shut down a waterway heavily dependent on the world's crude oil supply.
Since the US attacks in early March, Iran has imposed an undeclared blockade on trade through the Strait of Hormuz. This has raised fears of a global oil price surge,
directly impacting the average citizen's pocketbook and fuel bills. However, India's impressive diplomatic prowess amid this dire global crisis underscores India's growing influence on the global stage.
India's diplomatic clout wins
The Strait of Hormuz is no ordinary sea route. Nearly a fifth of the world's crude oil and gas passes through it. Iran has made it clear that this waterway is open to all except the US and its allies,
but the increased risk of attacks has led to a sharp decline in shipping traffic. According to the Associated Press, only 90 ships passed through this route between March 1 and 15.
Many powerful countries in the world are eager to use this route, but India's status stands out. Iranian authorities have allowed two Indian LPG tankers to safely proceed to ports in western India.
This is the result of India's strong foreign policy, which knows how to ensure the country's energy security even under adverse circumstances.
Iran grants VIP entry
While major countries around the world were seeking diplomatic means to free their ships, India engaged directly at the highest level. The situation became clear in India's favor after a crucial meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on March 12th.
At that time, 24 ships were stranded in the western part of the Strait of Hormuz. Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary of the Indian Government's Ministry of Shipping, and Mohammad Fathali, Iran's Ambassador to India, have separately confirmed that Indian ships are being allowed to pass freely.
A recent Reuters report indicates that two more Indian LPG tankers, named 'Pine Gas' and 'Jag Vasant', are preparing to transit this route. They are currently anchored near Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
These countries also got relief
According to Al Jazeera, during this crisis, Iran is granting permission to ships on a case-by-case basis. Between March 1 and 15, the 90 ships that passed through this waterway included Iranian-affiliated vessels, as well as ships flying the flags of India, China, and Pakistan.
China has also received a green signal to transit through this route. A Pakistani oil tanker named Karachi also successfully transited this waterway on March 15. Turkey, after considerable effort, was only able to obtain permission to evacuate one of its 15 ships.
Japan, France and Italy are also pleading
Iran's tough stance has worried even the world's developed nations. Even economically prosperous countries like Japan are now negotiating with Iran to evacuate their ships. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told the Japanese news agency Kyodo that they are in talks with Tokyo.
Not only Japan, but countries like South Korea, France, and Italy are also in constant contact with Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz to avoid an energy crisis.