Amid rising tensions in the Persian Gulf region, India has begun transporting critical fuel supplies to meet the nation’s energy needs. Two LPG ships from the UAE and a crude oil vessel from Saudi Arabia are en route to Indian shores, officials privy to the latest developments said on Monday.
Indian-flagged vessels MV Jag Vasant and MV Pine Gas set sail from UAE ports at 6 am IST on Monday after receiving clearance for passage through the Strait of Hormuz from Iran. The two Indian ships carrying a combined 92,612.59 metric tonnes of LPG set sail in close coordination with each other, keeping a distance of five nautical miles between them.
The two Indian ships sailed through the strategic Strait of Hormuz on Monday evening. While MV Jag Vasant is expected to dock at Kandla port on March 26, MV Pine Gas is expected to arrive at New Mangalore port on March 28. The two Indian ships have Indian crew members on board, with 33 crew members on MV Jag Vasant and 27 crew members on MV Pine Gas.
Naval escort and security measures in place
In view of the volatile situation, the Indian Navy has increased its presence in the region. A 24-hour naval escort will be provided to the LPG carriers in the Gulf of Oman before they set off towards India’s western coast.
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Furthermore, a crude oil tanker, MT Kallista, is being loaded at Yanbu port in Saudi Arabia. This vessel will set off on Tuesday to Paradip port via Jeddah. This vessel will be escorted by Indian Navy ships through the Gulf of Aden, in association with the petroleum ministry.
The government has deployed Kolkata-class destroyers in the Gulf of Oman and Gulf of Aden to protect Indian vessels operating in the region.
Crew concerns and diplomatic clarity
With continued missile and drone activity in the region, Indian crew members aboard ships have been under stress. Authorities and ship operators are maintaining regular communication with them to ensure morale and safety.
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According to a Hindustan Times report, India has not made any payment to Iran for the passage of its LPG tankers, officials said, even as the Iranian Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) has not permitted Indian warships to escort these vessels. Meanwhile, the Iranian embassy in India on Monday dismissed reports claiming Tehran was demanding $2 million per ship for transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
Navy Chief cancels foreign visit
Amid the evolving crisis and its implications for India’s energy security, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi cancelled his scheduled visit to Australia and New Zealand between March 19 and 23.
