Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, March 12, spoke to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and expressed concern over the rising tensions and civilian casualties, while reiterating India’s call for dialogue and diplomacy.
The Prime Minister emphasised that ensuring the safety and security of Indian nationals, along with facilitating the unhindered transit of goods and energy, remains India’s top priority. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to peace and stability and called for dialogue and diplomacy as the path forward.
“Had a conversation with Iranian President, Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, to discuss the serious situation in the region. Expressed deep concern over the escalation of tensions and the loss of civilian lives as well as damage to civilian infrastructure,” Prime Minister Modi wrote on X.
“The safety and security of Indian nationals, along with the need for unhindered transit of goods and energy, remain India’s top priorities. Reiterated India’s commitment to peace and stability and urged for dialogue and diplomacy,” he added.
Iran allows India-flagged tankers to pass through Strait of Hormuz
Iran has allowed India-flagged tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz after talks between the two countries, with Indian vessels Pushpak and Parimal transiting safely.
Clearance is followed by a high-level discussions between India and Iran on maritime movement. According to a report by Times Now, the relief came after talks between EAM S. Jaishankar and Abbas Araghchi. Indian tankers Pushhpak and Parimal, have safely transit the Strait of Hormuz.
First India-bound vessel
In another development, the report added that a crude tanker has reached Mumbai via Strait of Hormuz since Iran-US war.
A Liberia-flagged tanker Shenlong Suezmax carrying Saudi crude has reached Mumbai Port, becoming the first India-bound vessel to pass through the Strait of Hormuz since the Iran-US conflict began.
The tanker had loaded crude from Ras Tanura port in Saudi Arabia on March 1 and departed on March 3. Maritime tracking data showed the vessel in the Strait of Hormuz on March 8 before it temporarily went off tracking systems.
The tanker reportedly switched off its AIS transponder while navigating the high-risk stretch of the strait and reappeared on tracking systems on March 9. The vessel reached Mumbai Port at 1 pm on Wednesday and was berthed at Jawahar Dweep at 6:06 pm. It is carrying 1,35,335 metric tonnes of crude oil, which will be supplied to refineries in Mahul, eastern Mumbai.
The ship has 29 crew members including Indian, Pakistani and Filipino nationals, and is captained by an Indian. The crude discharge process is expected to take around 36 hours. The tanker is owned by Shenlong Shipping Ltd and managed by Dynacom Tanker Management Ltd of Athens.
