Iran has allowed two Indian-flagged liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carriers to pass through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a move expected to ease concerns over cooking gas supplies in India amid the ongoing regional conflict.

Iranian officials confirmed on Friday that the vessels had been granted safe passage through the crucial maritime corridor, one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes. "The vessels have been permitted to move through the Strait of Hormuz," a person familiar with the development said, declining to be identified.

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Diplomatic talks precede decision

The clearance came hours after separate phone conversations between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, their first interaction since tensions escalated in the region.

India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi as part of diplomatic efforts to ensure the safety of shipping and Indian citizens in the region.

Following the conversation, Modi said the two leaders discussed “the safety and security of Indian citizens” as well as the “need for uninterrupted flow of goods and energy,” describing both as key priorities for India.

Strait of Hormuz critical for India’s energy supplies

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the busiest maritime routes in the world and is particularly important for India’s energy imports. Nearly half of India’s crude oil imports pass through this narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman.

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Earlier in the day, Iran’s ambassador to India Mohammad Fathali indicated that Indian ships would receive safe passage through the strait."We believe that Iran and India are friends. We have common interests and a common fate," Fathali told reporters when asked about the transit of Indian vessels.

Officials familiar with the situation said the Indian government remains in touch with Iranian authorities regarding safe passage for nearly two dozen Indian-flagged ships currently located west of the strait. In a separate development, a crude oil tanker carrying Saudi Arabian oil is expected to arrive in India after sailing through the waterway.