The Indian government has said reports claiming that Iran has allowed Indian ships to safely pass through the Strait of Hormuz are premature and not officially confirmed. The Ministry of External Affairs stated that External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has spoken several times with his Iranian counterpart about the safety of shipping and India’s energy security, but no formal assurance has been announced yet. The clarification comes amid the ongoing Iran-US-Israel conflict, which has disrupted maritime traffic and triggered attacks on multiple vessels in the region. The government said discussions with Iran are continuing while closely monitoring the situation, as the waterway is critical for global oil supplies and India’s energy imports. (PC: AP)

An Indian sailor was killed after an Iranian underwater drone and explosive boat attack targeted the US-owned oil tanker Safesea Vishnu near Basra. The strike reportedly came after the vessel ignored warnings from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy amid escalating tensions in the Persian Gulf. The explosion caused heavy damage and a fire onboard, while other crew members were rescued and taken to safety in Basra. The incident highlights growing threats to global shipping routes as the Iran–US–Israel conflict intensifies.

An India-bound crude oil tanker successfully crossed the conflict-hit Strait of Hormuz and reached Mumbai after briefly going “dark” to avoid detection during the Iran–Israel conflict. The Liberia-flagged Suezmax tanker Shenlong, carrying Saudi crude from Ras Tanura, switched off its AIS tracking system while navigating the high-risk waters. Maritime data showed its signals disappearing inside the strait before reappearing after passing the danger zone. The ship, captained by an Indian officer, later docked at Jawahar Dweep Terminal, highlighting growing risks to global shipping routes. (PC: X)

The war between Iran and Israel continues to intensify across West Asia, drawing in regional actors and disrupting global energy markets. The conflict began after joint U.S.–Israeli strikes on Iranian military and nuclear sites in late February 2026, triggering retaliatory missile and drone attacks from Iran and its allies. Fighting has spread to Lebanon, the Gulf, and key shipping routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, threatening global oil supplies. Hezbollah rockets, Israeli airstrikes, and attacks on tankers have caused heavy casualties and displacement. Oil prices have surged above $100 per barrel, while world powers including Russia and the UN urge immediate de-escalation. (PC: ANI)

India is negotiating with Iran to secure safe passage for over 20 oil and gas tankers stranded in the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing regional conflict. According to reports, the discussions are being handled by India’s Ministry of External Affairs. The vital waterway, which connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and carries about one-fifth of global crude shipments, has seen major disruptions after US and Israeli strikes on Iran. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has reportedly spoken with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi regarding the situation. Meanwhile, Energy Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said India’s fuel supply remains stable despite the crisis. (PC: India Today)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the government is “doing everything possible” to safeguard India’s energy security amid a global fuel crisis triggered by the ongoing conflict in West Asia involving Iran and the United States. Speaking at the NXT Summit 2026 in New Delhi, Modi said the crisis has affected countries worldwide but India has taken steps to strengthen its energy resilience. He highlighted the expansion of strategic petroleum reserves, noting that before 2014 India had minimal storage capacity but now possesses significant reserves. Modi added that the government’s push toward energy self-reliance and diversified supply sources is helping the country manage global fuel shocks and protect domestic consumers. (PC: ANI)

India is in talks with Iran to secure safe passage for more than 20 oil, LPG, and LNG tankers stranded near the Strait of Hormuz as the ongoing regional conflict disrupts shipping routes. The vessels were delayed after tensions escalated following US-Israel strikes on Iran. Indian officials said negotiations are being handled through diplomatic channels to protect the country’s energy supplies. S. Jaishankar has spoken several times with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi about maritime safety and energy security. India relies heavily on Middle Eastern imports for crude oil, LNG, and LPG, making uninterrupted tanker movement crucial for the country’s energy needs. (PC: X)

An Indian national was killed after a suspected Iranian explosive-laden “suicide boat” attacked the US-owned oil tanker Safesea Vishnu in Iraqi waters near Basra on March 11. The vessel, sailing under the Marshall Islands flag, was struck near the Khor Al Zubair Port, triggering explosions and fire on board. The Embassy of India in Iraq confirmed the death and said the remaining 15 Indian crew members were evacuated safely. Another tanker was also damaged in the incident. The attack comes amid escalating regional tensions and growing threats to commercial shipping routes in West Asia. 

Amid escalating tensions in West Asia, Iran has reportedly assured India that oil tankers flying the Indian flag will be allowed safe passage through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. An Indian source said the understanding came after diplomatic discussions between S. Jaishankar and his Iranian counterpart to safeguard Indian shipping. The route carries nearly 40% of India’s crude oil imports, making it critical for the country’s energy security. However, an Iranian source outside the country denied that any formal agreement exists. The development comes amid attacks on merchant vessels and rising regional conflict, raising concerns over global oil supplies and maritime safety. (PC: Reuters)

An Indian sailor was killed after a US-owned oil tanker was attacked near Iraq’s Basra port on March 11 amid the Iran–Israel war. The vessel, MT Safesea Vishnu, was carrying about 48,000 metric tonnes of naphtha during ship-to-ship cargo loading operations. The Directorate General of Shipping said the tanker was struck by an explosive unmanned speedboat around 9 PM UTC. A total of 16 Indian crew members were on board. The Indian Embassy in Iraq said the remaining 15 sailors were evacuated safely. “One Indian crew member unfortunately lost his life. The remaining 15 Indian crew have since been evacuated to a safe place,” the embassy said. The death takes the number of Indian sailors killed in the conflict to three. (PC: The Indian Express)