In a significant development for India's energy security amid escalating tensions in West Asia, the LPG carrier ship Shivalik arrived at Gujarat's Mundra Port on Monday evening, carrying a crucial consignment of cooking gas from Qatar.
The vessel, which crossed the volatile Strait of Hormuz on March 14, docked at Mundra Port around 5 pm carrying approximately 46,000 metric tonnes of LPG—equivalent to nearly 3.24 million domestic gas cylinders, according to the Ministry of Shipping.
Safe Passage Through Troubled Waters
The arrival of LPG vessel Shivalik marks the first such delivery to India since the intensification of the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. The Strait of Hormuz, through which about one-fifth of the world's oil passes, has become a flashpoint in the ongoing war.
Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary at the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, confirmed during an inter-ministerial briefing that all necessary arrangements, including documentation and priority berthing, were completed ahead of the vessel's arrival.
"Prior to its arrival, all arrangements, including documentation and priority berthing, have been made at the port," Sinha said.
More Energy Supplies on the Way
In a boost to India's energy security, the government confirmed that another LPG vessel, Nanda Devi, is also carrying around 46,000 tonnes of LPG and is expected to arrive at Mundra on Tuesday.
Additionally, the Indian-flag vessel Jag Laadki, which sailed from the UAE on March 14, is transporting about 81,000 tonnes of Murban crude oil and is safely en route to India. It is scheduled to reach Mundra Port tomorrow.
"All Indian seafarers on board are safe," Sinha added.
Diplomatic Efforts Yield Results
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar revealed that direct talks with Iran have helped ensure safe passage for Indian ships through the Strait of Hormuz. In an interview with the Financial Times, Jaishankar stated, "I am currently talking to him and this conversation has yielded some results."
The Minister emphasized that no permanent agreement has been reached for Indian-flagged ships and no concessions have been given to Iran in exchange. The long-standing relationship between the two countries formed the basis for these discussions.
Safety of Indian Nationals
With over 550 Indian nationals evacuated from Iran into Armenia, and approximately 90 crossing into Azerbaijan via land borders, the government continues to monitor the situation closely. The Embassy of India in Tehran has issued advisories urging Indian nationals not to approach or attempt to cross any land border without prior coordination.
Currently, 22 Indian flag vessels with 611 Indian seafarers remain in the region west of the Strait of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf.
Strategic Importance
The successful arrival of these vessels underscores India's proactive diplomacy and operational preparedness amid one of the most volatile periods in West Asian history. With the Strait of Hormuz remaining a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies, India's ability to secure continued shipments will be crucial for domestic consumption and economic stability.
As the conflict continues to evolve, the government maintains round-the-clock monitoring of the situation while coordinating with international partners to ensure the safety of Indian nationals and the uninterrupted flow of essential commodities.
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