Hours before Iran's closure, three Indians supertankers, with 94 crew members, safely transit Strait of Hormuz

Three Indian-flagged crude oil supertankers successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, carrying 94 Indian crew members. Their transit occurred mere hours before Iran's military announced the closure of the vital waterway, citing Israeli strikes in Lebanon and accusing the United States of acting in bad faith.

The vessels, Desh Vaibhav, Desh Vibhor, and Sanmar Herald, collectively transport over 860,000 tonnes of crude oil. They are expected to reach India between June 24 and July 1. Desh Vaibhav is scheduled to arrive at Vadinar and Desh Vibhor at Sikka, both in Gujarat, on June 24. Sanmar Herald is expected at Paradip, Odisha, on July 1.

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed the safe transit, emphasizing the government's commitment to maritime security. "Our ministry is actively coordinating with all relevant agencies to guarantee the absolute safety of Bharat’s seafarers and energy lifelines," Sonowal stated, highlighting the government's focus on maritime security under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Ten other Indian vessels remain in the Persian Gulf, west of the strait. The Strait of Hormuz had reopened earlier in the week following an interim deal between Washington and Tehran, which included Iran diluting its enriched uranium stockpile in exchange for a US sanctions waiver for oil sales. The US had also lifted its naval blockade of Iran. However, Iran's joint military command announced the closure on Saturday evening, warning of further actions if aggression continued, despite Iran's negotiating team preparing for talks in Switzerland.

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Our ministry is actively coordinating with all relevant agencies to guarantee the absolute safety of Bharat’s seafarers and energy lifelines.