Following Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi's declaration that the Strait of Hormuz is 'completely open,' Indian-flagged vessels carrying crude oil vital to India's energy needs have begun exiting the Persian Gulf. This marks a further easing after earlier selective transits by ships without U.S. or Israeli links amid the ongoing conflict.
The Strait of Hormuz, closed by Iran after U.S. and Israeli airstrikes in late February 2026, has seen gradual reopenings. Iran has allowed passage for vessels deemed friendly, with prior transits including Chinese, French, Omani, and Japanese ships in early April.
On April 17, hours after Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated the strait was 'completely open,' multiple Indian-flagged vessels stranded in the Persian Gulf started sailing toward India. These ships primarily carry crude oil, essential for India's energy security. The Hindu has tracked Indian-flagged and India-bound vessels in the region for the past month.
This development signals improved reliability for global energy flows through the strait, which handles about a fifth of the world's oil and LNG, offering relief to India's supply chain.
