Iran has officially listed India among a group of “friendly nations” whose ships are being allowed safe passage through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, even as maritime traffic through the region has sharply declined due to escalating tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed in remarks on state television that vessels from India, along with countries such as China, Russia, Pakistan, Iraq, and Bangladesh, have recently transited the strait following diplomatic coordination. He indicated that access is being selectively managed in the current conflict environment, with certain nations facing restrictions.
The development comes at a time when shipping activity in the Strait of Hormuz through which nearly a quarter of the world’s oil supply passes under normal conditions has dropped significantly. Industry tracking data indicates a steep fall in vessel movements compared to usual daily averages, reflecting heightened security risks and operational uncertainty in the region.
For India, the development is critical. The country imports around 85% of its crude oil requirements, with a substantial portion sourced from Gulf countries such as Iraq, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Kuwait. Much of this supply traditionally passes through the Strait of Hormuz, making uninterrupted access essential for maintaining energy security.
Officials have indicated that India’s oil import bill stands at roughly $120 billion annually, with about half of these supplies routed through the strait. In this context, continued passage for Indian vessels helps avoid immediate disruptions to fuel supply chains and supports broader economic stability.
The geopolitical tensions have already begun to impact global oil logistics. Reduced shipping activity, higher insurance premiums, and rerouting of vessels are increasing transportation costs. Alternative routes around Africa can add up to two weeks to delivery times, significantly raising freight expenses.
India has been working to manage these risks through a combination of short-term and long-term strategies. Strategic petroleum reserves, currently estimated to cover several weeks of demand, provide a temporary buffer against supply shocks. At the same time, the government has been diversifying crude sourcing, including increasing imports from Russia and exploring alternative supply routes.
Despite these efforts, Gulf supplies remain difficult to replace in the short term due to their proximity and established infrastructure links. Industry experts note that even partial disruption in Hormuz traffic can lead to volatility in global oil prices, affecting domestic inflation and currency stability.
The selective passage mechanism announced by Iran reflects the broader geopolitical realignment underway in global energy trade. While some countries continue to access the route through diplomatic engagement, others face heightened restrictions, leading to fragmentation in traditional shipping flows.
Indian policymakers have so far maintained a neutral diplomatic stance in the ongoing conflict, which analysts believe has helped ensure continued access. This approach aligns with India’s broader strategy of balancing relations across major global blocs while safeguarding core economic interests.
At the same time, the situation underscores the urgency of reducing long-term dependence on vulnerable supply routes. Initiatives such as expanding domestic oil exploration, increasing refining capacity, and strengthening energy partnerships are expected to gain further momentum.
Global energy markets remain on edge, with supply disruptions in the Middle East having wider ripple effects across industries from transportation to manufacturing. Prolonged instability could tighten supply conditions further and keep prices elevated.
For now, India’s inclusion in Iran’s list of “friendly nations” provides a measure of relief, ensuring that critical energy supplies continue to flow despite one of the most volatile periods in recent geopolitical history. However, officials remain cautious, emphasizing that sustained access will depend on evolving diplomatic and security conditions in the region.