Indian Oil Tanker Successfully Crosses Strait of Hormuz Amid Tensions
New Delhi, April 18 — In a significant development, one Indian-flagged oil tanker successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, while at least four other vessels were forced to turn back due to escalating tensions in the region. The oil tanker, named Desh Garima, is the tenth Indian vessel to cross this crucial maritime chokepoint since early March, according to ship tracking data from MarineTraffic.
As of Saturday evening, Desh Garima was reported to be sailing in the Gulf of Oman. The situation in the Strait of Hormuz has become increasingly precarious, with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) signaling that the waterway was effectively closed. This prompted the other vessels, including oil tankers Sanmar Herald, Desh Vaibhav, and Desh Vibhor, along with the bulk carrier Jag Arnav, to reverse course. Consequently, the number of India-flagged ships currently in the Persian Gulf has decreased to 14.
The Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) owns both Desh Vaibhav and Desh Vibhor, while Sanmar Herald is operated by Sanmar Shipping, and Jag Arnav is managed by Great Eastern Shipping Company. The decision to turn back was likely influenced by reports of an incident involving two IRGC gunboats, which approached and fired upon a tanker approximately 20 nautical miles northeast of Oman.
Escalating Tensions and Diplomatic Responses
The recent disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz come amid heightened tensions in the region, particularly since the outbreak of the West Asia conflict on February 28. This conflict has severely limited maritime movement through the Strait, which is a vital artery for global oil and liquefied natural gas flows, accounting for about one-fifth of the world’s energy supply.
IRGC Fires Warning Shots at Indian Ships in Strait of Hormuz
In response to the targeting of Indian vessels, the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi summoned the Iranian envoy to formally protest the incidents. Reports from shipping monitor TankerTrackers.com indicated that two Indian-flagged ships, including a supertanker carrying Iraqi crude, were also forced to turn back after coming under fire.
The ongoing situation has significant implications for global energy markets. The halt in maritime transit through the Strait of Hormuz has led to rising energy prices and supply shortages in various regions, prompting some countries to implement fuel rationing measures. This underscores the far-reaching impact of the standoff, as the ability of Iran to disrupt traffic through this narrow passage has emerged as a critical factor in the ongoing conflict.
