India secures oil route through Hormuz after Jaishankar’s talks with Iran

India moved quickly to protect its energy supply as tensions escalated in West Asia. Diplomatic engagement between New Delhi and Tehran helped Indian oil tankers continue their journey through the Strait of Hormuz. The development followed a direct conversation between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

According to sources, the talks focused on protecting India’s energy shipments during a period of rising regional instability. As a result, Iran allowed Indian tankers to move through the strategic waterway without disruption. The decision offered relief to New Delhi as the global energy market faced uncertainty.

The Strait of Hormuz holds immense global importance. A large share of the world’s crude oil and natural gas travels through this narrow sea route between Iran and Oman. Therefore, any disruption in the area immediately affects international energy markets.

Meanwhile, tensions in West Asia created fears of shipping disruptions. The ongoing confrontation among Iran, Israel and the United States raised alarms across global trade routes. Because of this situation, India increased diplomatic outreach to secure its energy imports.

India relies heavily on imported crude oil and liquefied natural gas. Consequently, uninterrupted access to Gulf shipping lanes remains critical for the country’s energy security. Officials therefore prioritised negotiations with regional powers to keep the sea route open.

Sources indicated that Iranian authorities allowed Indian vessels to continue operations in the Strait of Hormuz. However, vessels linked to the United States, Europe and Israel reportedly faced restrictions while passing through the waterway. This selective access reflected the broader geopolitical tensions in the region.

At the same time, India expanded diplomatic coordination beyond Iran. Jaishankar held consultations with several international counterparts to maintain stability in global shipping lanes. He spoke with Sergey Lavrov and Jean‑Noël Barrot about the evolving situation in West Asia.

These discussions aimed to reduce risks to maritime trade routes that supply energy to many countries. Stable navigation through Hormuz remains crucial not only for India but also for global energy markets.

Earlier this month, tensions rose sharply after a major announcement from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The Iranian military force warned that the Strait of Hormuz had effectively closed to shipping. It also cautioned that vessels attempting to cross the waterway could face targeting. The warning signalled a serious escalation in the regional conflict.

At the same time, geopolitical tensions intensified following reports that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei died in a joint strike carried out by the United States and Israel. The development dramatically increased instability across West Asia.

Meanwhile, the conflict created ripple effects in India’s domestic energy market. Disruptions in global shipping routes triggered a shortage of commercial liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). The shortage particularly affected restaurants and hotels across major cities.

Hospitality groups in Mumbai, Chennai and Bengaluru warned about operational disruptions because of irregular LPG deliveries. Industry representatives said suppliers stopped many deliveries after shipping uncertainties increased.

Consequently, several restaurants struggled to maintain normal operations. Reports indicated that nearly 20 percent of hotels and restaurants in Mumbai temporarily closed due to supply shortages. Meanwhile, the Chennai Hotels Association urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure urgent LPG supplies.

The situation also pushed up prices. On March 7, authorities raised the price of domestic LPG cylinders across India. The cost of a 14.2-kg household cylinder increased by ₹60. At the same time, commercial LPG cylinders became costlier by about ₹115.

Furthermore, shortages triggered black-marketing in some areas. In certain markets, buyers reportedly paid between ₹2,000 and ₹2,500 for a single cylinder.

Amid these concerns, Prime Minister Modi asked ministers to closely monitor misinformation about LPG shortages. During a cabinet meeting, he instructed officials to counter panic-driven narratives and clarify the global reasons behind the disruption.

For now, India’s diplomatic outreach has eased immediate concerns. Safe passage for Indian oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz has helped stabilise energy supplies during a volatile moment in global geopolitics.